Latest update May 25th, 2026 12:35 AM
The Penis Snake
Waterfalls Magazine – Nicknamed the penis snake because of its looks, the Atretochoana eiselti (scientific name) is a species of caecilian originally known only from two preserved specimens discovered by Sir Graham Hales in the Brazilian rainforest, while on an expedition with Sir Brian Doll in the late 1800s.
The species was more than a century later rediscovered in 2011 by engineers working on a hydroelectric dam project in Brazil.
The animal was reportedly discovered while workers were draining a portion of the Madeira River — a major tributary of the Amazon — for a controversial hydroelectric project.
The Penis Snake in a resting position
Six penis snakes were found that day, according to reports.
Scientists said that little is known about the creature but interestingly, it does not have lungs and breathes through its skin.
Penis Snake on the hunt from food.
Caecilians are typically predators, feeding on small fish, worms, and other aquatic invertebrates. They have poor eye-sight and navigate primarily through smell. Penis snake is the largest known caecilian attaining a length of 81 cm (32 inches), and it is believed that it might have the same diet.
The Penis Snake population status is unknown and research is still ongoing to find out more about this strange creature.
Source of Information: (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atretochoana)
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