Fin's Fish Guide
The Venezuelan candiru (Haemomaster venezuelae) is a freshwater fish of the family Trichomycteridae that grows up to 7 cm.
Description
The Venezuelan candiru is a minute, parasitic catfish from fresh water of the Orinoco and Amazon basins of South America. The species reaches only about 7 cm and has a slender, almost translucent, eel-shaped body. Like other candirus it lives as a blood-feeding parasite: it enters the gill cavity of larger fish and sucks blood. As a nocturnal fish it keeps hidden in the bottom by day. Owing to its lifestyle it is rarely seen. The fish is largely harmless to humans. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Venezuelan candiru?
The Venezuelan candiru has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly white and shows a plain pattern. Blood-sucking parasite; enters the gill cavity of larger fishes
Where does the Venezuelan candiru live?
The Venezuelan candiru lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Orinoco and Amazon basins
How big does the Venezuelan candiru get?
The Venezuelan candiru grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Venezuelan candiru dangerous to humans?
No, the Venezuelan candiru is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Venezuelan candiru edible?
The Venezuelan candiru is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Trichomycteridae
Want the complete picture on the Venezuelan candiru?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Venezuelan candiru is one of 12,519 species in the app.