This Testicle-Eating Demon Fish Has Dudes Fearing For Their Balls

A South American fish known for its human-like teeth and penchant for chowin' down on testicles may soon arrive in European waters, The Mirror reports.

Closely related to the piranha, pacu fish typically reside in the warm waters of the Amazon River. However, over the past several years, the freshwater species has been identified in several northern bodies of water, including the River Seine in Paris and Swedes Lake in New Jersey.

Pacu fish, which can grow up to three feet long, are equipped with square, straight-edged teeth to break open nuts from trees that fall into the water. But their ominous nickname, “The Nutcracker,” refers to a different kind of nut cracking — the kind that involves biting the ball sack of any dude who gets in their way.

According to expert Henrik Carl,

The pacu is not normally dangerous to people but it has quite a serious bite. There have been incidents in other countries, such as Papua New Guinea, where some men have had their testicles bitten off. They bite because they're hungry, and testicles sit nicely in their mouth.

Though the last non-Amazonian sighting of the nut-nibblers occurred nearly a year ago, fears of the flesh-eating fish were renewed when a British man listed his for sale online. Infestation outside of South America typically occurs when pet owners can no longer care for the fish and illegally dump it in local waters.

Don't want your balls to become bait? Double up on swim trunks where pacu have been seen, or do one better and steer clear of fresh water altogether. Just remember to look out for sharks.

Learn more about the pacu here.

Citations: Testicle Eating Nightmare Fish Are Sparking Fears in England (Complex), Testicle eating piranha-like fish with 'human' teeth may be heading for Britain's rivers (The Mirror), Testicle-eating fish, the Pacu, found in Paris with fears it could be coming to the UK (The Independent)