Swedish men have received a warning to maintain their swimwear while swimming, following the discovery of a South American fish famous for attacking testicles in local waters.
Recently, a fisherman in the Oresund Sound, located between Denmark and Sweden, caught an 8-inch (21cm) pacu – a species related to the piranha, typically found in the Amazon.
This freshwater fish, which can reach lengths of up to 35 inches (90cm) and weigh as much as 55 pounds (25kg), has earned the nickname ‘ball cutter’ due to its assaults on male genitalia.
While native to most rivers in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, these fish have also been observed in Papua New Guinea, where they are believed to have been introduced to enhance fish populations.
In 2011, a British angler named Jeremy Wade caught a 40-pound specimen in Papua New Guinea.
The latest find led the National History Museum in Denmark to caution: ‘If you’re swimming in the Sound these days, keep your swimwear on – there may be more lurking about!’
This individual specimen marks the first pacu to be captured in European seas, the museum noted.
‘While the pacu is typically not harmful to humans, it possesses a potent bite; there have been reports from other countries, including Papua New Guinea, of men having their testicles bitten off,’ said Henrik Carl, a fish expert at the Danish museum.
‘They bite out of hunger, and testicles fit well in their mouths.’
‘Although it predominantly eats nuts, fruit, and small fish due to its smaller mouth, human testicles can become an enticing target.’
‘It’s uncommon for someone to lose their testicles, yet it remains a possibility, especially now in Sweden.’
According to Mr. Carl, the pacu bears a striking resemblance to its infamous relative, the piranha.
‘They are nearly indistinguishable from piranhas; you wouldn’t notice the difference at first glance. The only distinction lies in their teeth—flatter, stronger, and ideal for crushing,’ he remarked.
He further indicated that the presence of a single pacu – which is currently undergoing DNA testing to verify its species – should not deter Swedish men from enjoying the water.
However, he cautioned that should more be discovered in the region, it could escalate into a significant concern.
‘This might be the first, but it certainly won’t be the last,’ he stated.
In areas where pacus thrive, fishermen have reportedly succumbed to severe injuries after losing their testicles to the fish’s crushing jaws.
