The animal world is full of surprises, with some creatures being more eye-catching than others because of their strange looks or unusual nature.
When I first saw a picture of this weird “penis snake,” I thought it was a joke. But, to my surprise, it turned out to be a real animal. So, let’s dive into the story behind the viral image that has left thousands of people in shock.
Throughout history, anything shaped like a phallus has grabbed attention and sparked curiosity. A few years ago, images of a strange-looking creature started making the rounds online, leaving many people scratching their heads in disbelief.
With its unique appearance, this mysterious animal quickly earned nicknames like the “penis snake,” “blind snake,” or the “man-aconda.”
But no, it’s not what you think.
Even though it looks a lot like a snake, this creature is actually called *Atretochoana eiselti*. It’s not a snake at all, but an amphibian, more closely related to a salamander. It’s also the largest known lungless tetrapod, which means it breathes through its skin instead of lungs.
This rare animal lives in the waters of the Amazon in Brazil and was hard to find for a long time. It was first discovered by Sir Graham Hales during an expedition with Sir Brian Doll in the late 1800s.
However, it wasn’t officially described until 1968. After more research, scientists reclassified it in 1996, giving it its own unique genus, *Atretochoana*.
In 2011, this species was rediscovered in the Amazon region. It lives only in the Amazon River and its largest tributary, the Madeira River in Brazil. The “penis snake” has only been found in this area and nowhere else in the world.
The viral pictures that blew up the internet a few years ago actually came from 2011. That’s when a whole family of these phallic-shaped creatures was found at the bottom of the Madeira River in Brazil. They were discovered when the river was drained during work on a hydroelectric dam.
Julian Tupan, a biologist working with the Santo Antonio Energy company on the dam, explained that not much is known about these lungless, limbless amphibians.
“Out of the six we collected, one died, three were released back into the wild, and two were kept for study,” he told *Estadao*, according to the U.K.’s *The Sun*.
Tupan pointed out that these “snakes” aren’t dangerous and are unlikely to show any aggressive behavior.
“Even though they look like snakes, they’re not reptiles; they’re more closely related to salamanders and frogs. We think the animal breathes through its skin and probably eats small fish and worms, but that hasn’t been proven yet.
“The Amazon is full of surprises when it comes to reptiles and amphibians. There’s still a lot more to discover.”
The most popular photo, which Julian Tupan shared on Instagram, shows an adult female *A. eiselti* that’s just under 40 inches long.
Even though these creatures are fascinating, there’s still a lot we don’t know about them. One mystery that puzzles researchers is their diet. Scientists think these phallic-shaped animals might eat small fish, worms, and other aquatic invertebrates, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Wikipedia Commons / Tobias von AnhaltAnother mystery about these creatures is how they breathe, as scientists haven’t confirmed the method yet. When the six specimens were discovered in 2011, it made things even more puzzling. What’s especially interesting is where they were found— in cold, fast-flowing water with limited oxygen. Since warmer water holds less oxygen, their ability to live without lungs is even more remarkable.
Based on these findings, scientists believe this species might be widespread across the Brazilian Amazon and could even extend into Bolivia.
Nature constantly surprises us with its endless wonders. From the deepest oceans to the tallest mountains, the natural world is full of amazing things waiting to be discovered.
Share this incredible story on Facebook with your friends and family to spark their curiosity and get them talking about the wonders of nature!
Celebrated country music singer, dies at 79 after Parkinsons battle….
A beloved figure from the music world, known for his sharp wit and satirical edge, has passed away at the age of 79, leaving fans in shock. This larger-than-life personality first gained fame in the early 1970s with a boundary-pushing, unconventional style that forever altered the landscape of country music. His provocative lyrics and fearless performances quickly earned him a loyal following, and he continued to surprise audiences with his bold approach to both music and life. His journey, which included a remarkable collaboration with one of the most iconic musicians of all time, was as unpredictable as it was unforgettable.
The late singer first rose to prominence with his satirical country band in the early ’70s, delivering unforgettable hits like “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and “Get Your Biscuits in the Oven and Your Buns in the Bed.” Although the band’s time was brief, his solo career flourished, and he embarked on a two-year tour with Bob Dylan, solidifying his place in music history.
Kinky’s colorful career extended beyond music. In 2006, he made headlines by running for governor of Texas, challenging incumbent Rick Perry. Although he finished fourth, his candidacy drew widespread attention and showcased his unique approach to politics. He later ran for the Democratic nomination for agriculture commissioner in 2010 and 2014, continuing his unconventional forays into public service.
A close friend, Clive Hattersley, fondly remembered Kinky as “an extraordinary communicator who could stir deep emotions—whether through laughter or tears.” Hattersley also revealed that Kinky had been quietly battling Parkinson’s disease in the years leading up to his death.
Throughout his prolific career, Kinky released 18 albums, with his final one, Circus of Life, arriving in 2018. His legacy of wit, music, and unapologetic authenticity will endure, leaving a lasting imprint on both his fans and the world of satire.
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