‘Penis Snake’ Found in Brazil’s Madeira River is a Rare Species of Amphibian [Photos]

A creature discovered by a group of engineers building a dam in the Amazon is a type of caecilian, with the scientific name Atretochoana eiseltia, is a limbless amphibian that resembles an earthworm or as some are referring to as part of the male anatomy.

Photo by Matt Roper

Monga Bay reports that this strange creature was discovered while the Madeira River was being drained as part of a damn building project in Brazil’s Madeira River. Biologist Julian Tupan said that six penis snakes were found at the bottom of the river.

Tupan explained:

Of the six we collected, one died, three were released back into the wild and another two were kept for studies. Despite looking like snakes, they aren’t reptiles and are more closely related to salamanders and frogs. We think the animal breathes through its skin, and probably feeds on small fish and worms, but there is still nothing proven.The Amazon is a box of surprises when it comes to reptiles and amphibians. There are still much more to be discovered.

Photo by Matt Roper

Atretochoana eiselti is the largest known caecilian, attaining a length of 75 cm (30 inches), or more than twice the size of the next-largest known species. They are typically predators, feeding on small fish, worms, and other aquatic invertebrates. They have poor eye-sight and breathe through their skin.

Who else have a good name suggestion for the Atretochoana eiseltia? Comment below.

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