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.”
According to a paper published in the Brazilian scientific journal *Boletim do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi: Ciências Naturais*, one of these creatures found in the riverbed was photographed extensively. Some of the animals were released back into the Madeira River, while others were sent to the Emilio Goeldi Paraense Museum in Belem, Brazil.
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.
Another 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!
Man Unveils Chilling Unseen Footage of Twin Towers Collapse
More than two decades after the devastating events of September 11, 2001, previously unseen footage of the Twin Towers’ collapse has been released. Captured from a new angle, this video offers fresh insight into one of modern history’s most tragic moments. Kei Sugimoto, the man who filmed the footage, recently shared it after keeping it stored away for over 22 years.
The Day That Changed the World
On September 11, 2001, 19 members of the jihadist group Al-Qaeda hijacked four airplanes in a coordinated attack against the United States. Two planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City, leading to the collapse of the Twin Towers and the deaths of nearly 3,000 people. This attack had far-reaching consequences, reshaping U.S. foreign policy and leaving a lasting global impact.
Rediscovering the Footage
Sugimoto recently stumbled upon old video tapes while cleaning out his closet. Among them was footage he recorded on 9/11 using a Sony VX2000 camera. Concerned about the condition of the tapes, he quickly digitized the video, unveiling a previously unseen perspective of the Twin Towers’ collapse.
A New View of the Collapse
The footage, captured from the roof of a building at 64 St. Marks Place in New York City, provides a rare northern view of the towers’ collapse. The video shows the towers enveloped in black smoke before they crumble, offering a haunting reminder of that catastrophic day. One viewer observed, “This footage shows a perspective not typically seen from the south or east.”
Public Reaction to the Footage
Since being released on July 23, 2023, the video has gained widespread attention on social media, sparking conversations and reactions. Many expressed surprise that new footage of 9/11 could still surface after so many years. One Reddit user commented, “It’s incredible that nearly 23 years later, new footage is still coming to light.”
The Historical Importance of the Footage
The release of this footage highlights the value of preserving historical records. As one online commenter reflected, “It makes you wonder how much history is sitting in people’s attics or basements, waiting to be discovered.” This video not only provides a new visual account of the events of 9/11 but also strengthens the collective memory of an event that has defined the 21st century.
Conclusion: Preserving a Legacy
Kei Sugimoto’s decision to release this footage contributes a unique piece to the complex story of 9/11. The fresh perspective offers future generations a new visual understanding of the Twin Towers’ collapse, ensuring the events of that day remain vividly remembered. As the footage continues to circulate, it serves as a historical document and a stark reminder of the lasting impact of 9/11.
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