A popular resort has had to close after 30 attacks on tourists by an Amazonian piranha-like fish.
Fish attacks on bathers led Imasul (Mato Grosso do Sul Environmental Institute) to partially close one of the most popular beach resorts in Bonito, in Brazil.
In 2025 alone so far, at least 30 people needed medical attention after being bitten by fish at Praia da Figueira.
In one case, a swimmer lost part of her finger. The city is considered the “national capital of ecotourism.”
Some of these bites were reportedly caused by tambaqui fish, an Amazonian species known for its strong teeth.
Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) does not occur naturally in the region.
It is an Amazonian fish and belongs to the pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) and red piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) family.
It can grow to over four feet long and weigh more than 100 lbs.
According to Kleber Mathubara, an ichthyologist and PhD student in Zoology at the Institute of Biosciences at zhe University of Sao Paulo, this fish has omnivorous habits and eats soft foods, such as leaves and small invertebrates, as well as harder foods, such as fruits and seeds.
Mathubara said: “In this species, the front teeth are large and incisor-shaped, similar to human teeth.
“These teeth, combined with an impressive biting force, are essential for cutting and breaking harder materials.”
Fish rarely pose a danger to humans in nature.
The expert said: “But in environments such as beach resorts, where tourists feed the fish in the water, accidents can happen, as the animals can miss the food or even get confused.”
Last year, there were 64 attacks in the area.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
The Ananova page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.
