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Newsgroups: alt.folklore.urban
From: mhagen@harp.aix.calpoly.edu (Michael John Hagen (Mike Hagen))
Subject: Re: Amazonian fish
Date: Mon, 20 Feb 1995 23:52:49 GMT

In article <137@avery.win-uk.net>, Nick Avery <nick@avery.win-uk.net> wrote: >I have read in a number of places such as the Independent and
>Sunday Times about a fish in the Amazonian jungle which swims up
>urine streams of unrinating men.
>
>It then securely lodges itself in the end of the urethra by use
>of spines. The only treatment is amputation.
>
>This has all the hallmarks of a UL - is it?

Nope. The fish actually exists, and is far more effective in keeping the water clear than those silly 'This is our ool' signs.

The fish, called Candiru, will swim into the urethras of both men and women if they should so decide to answer the call of nature while immersed. It's about 40-60mm long, and only 4-6mm wide, so it can fit. Women are more prone to attack due to the larger opening, and also due to the fact that the fish are attracted by blood as well as urine. Since the fish has spines that it can extend out, removal is next to impossible without surgery.

However, there is a nicer method of removal (you may uncross your legs now). The Xaqua plant, as well as the buitach apple, will kill the fish and also actually dissolve it. Amputation, therefore, is not necessary.

Recommended reading:

Herman, John B, 'Candiru: Urinophilic catfish -- It's gift to urology', _Urology_ 1(3):265-267 (1973).

Gudger, EW, 'Bookshelf browsing on the Alleged Penetration of the Human Urethra by an Amazonian Catfish Called Candiru,' _Americal Journal of Surgery_ 8(1): 170-188, 443-457 (1930).

Vinton, KW, Stickler, WH, 'The Carnero, a fish parasite of man and possibly animals,' _Americal Journal of Surgery_ 54:511- (1941).

--
Mike Hagen | "Can it, bacon boy! If I wanted to know mhagen@trumpet.calpoly.edu | about science, I wouldn't have cut class

                            |  and spent all that time in the porno 
                            |  arcade!" -- Duckman