The Gill candiru (Paracanthopoma parva) is a freshwater fish of the family Trichomycteridae that grows up to 3 cm.
Description
The gill candiru is a very small pencil catfish (Trichomycteridae) from large rivers of the Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 3 cm and has a very slender, almost transparent body with small, backward-pointing spinelets on the gill cover. It lives briefly as a parasite in the gill cavity of larger fish, where it takes blood, and then swims free. To humans it is harmless.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gill candiru?
The Gill candiru has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Gill candiru live?
The Gill candiru lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Gill candiru get?
The Gill candiru grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.
Is the Gill candiru dangerous to humans?
No, the Gill candiru is harmless to humans.
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Habitat & distribution
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More from the family Trichomycteridae
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