Fin's Fish Guide
The Candiru (Vandellia cirrhosa) is a freshwater fish of the family Trichomycteridae that grows up to 17 cm.
Description
The candiru is a notorious small, parasitic catfish from fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America. The species grows to about 17 cm and has a slender, almost translucent, eel-shaped body with backward-pointing spines on the gill cover. It lives as a blood-feeding parasite: it enters the gill cavity of larger fish, anchors itself with the spines and sucks blood. Because of these spines it can cause painful injuries when removed. The fish is otherwise shy and nocturnal. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Candiru?
The Candiru has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly white and shows a plain pattern. Blood-sucking parasite; backward-pointing opercular spines cause injuries
Where does the Candiru live?
The Candiru lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Amazon and Orinoco basins
How big does the Candiru get?
The Candiru grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.
Is the Candiru dangerous to humans?
The Candiru can cause injury; handle it with care. This parasitic fish can hook itself into the gill cavity with backward-pointing spines; removal must be careful, surgically if needed. Seek medical help for injuries.
Is the Candiru edible?
The Candiru is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Trichomycteridae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Candiru is one of 12,519 species in the app.