Latest update August 3rd, 2026 11:39 AM
Dec 17, 2023 Features / Columnists, Interesting Creatures in Guyana, News, Waterfalls Magazine
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.
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.
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)
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Rising Debt, Rising US Dollar Rate in Oil-rich Guyana!
Aug 03, 2026
Kaieteur Sports – Guyana’s swimming sensation Raekwon Noel has done it again, capturing his third gold medal at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games after another thrilling and...Aug 03, 2026
(Kaieteur News) – The present controversy over possible alleged conflicts of interest involving two members of the Commission of Inquiry into the M.V. Barima tragedy illustrates how easily an important principle can be stretched beyond recognition. Independence and impartiality are indispensable...Aug 02, 2026
By Sir Ronald Sanders (Kaieteur News) – Daniel Ortega has now said openly what his regime has demonstrated for years: the people of Nicaragua are not to be permitted to remove their rulers through elections. During celebrations marking the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution, Ortega...Jul 30, 2026
Hard Truths by GHK Lall (Kaieteur News) – A tragedy of catastrophic proportions is now Guyana’s to manage. An old passenger ferry boat went to the bottom. According to news reports of Saturday, 73 bodies have been recovered and 76 rescued. Taking the official count of 179 passengers on...Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: glennlall2000@gmail.com / kaieteurnews@yahoo.com