
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!
Young Woman Underwent Double Jaw Surgery and Got Her Braces Removed, Leaving Everyone Amazed by Her Stunning Transformation
Virginia underwent a complex journey and achieved her dream transformation. She documented her entire experience on TikTok, and her video went viral, accumulating 75 million views and 3 million likes. Take a look at how this courageous young woman transformed.
Virginia posted a viral TikTok video.

Virginia’s awe-inspiring journey, documented in a viral TikTok video that amassed an incredible 26 million views and around 2 million likes, showcased a monumental transformation that captured the attention of viewers worldwide. Her profound story, detailing the extensive process from the installation of braces in March 2023 to the eventual Double Jaw Surgery, illuminated the remarkable extent of her metamorphosis. The sheer magnitude of her transformation, both physically and emotionally, became the focal point that drew in millions of intrigued onlookers.

The surgery was successful.

Virginia’s triumphant journey reached a pivotal moment as the surgery unfolded. With unfiltered honesty, she shared images of the immediate aftermath, revealing the extent of facial swelling, a tangible testament to the challenges she faced. The post-surgery period saw Virginia navigating a liquid diet, unable to chew during the initial stages of recovery.
Pain became an unwelcome companion, vividly portrayed in her candid account of the healing process. Despite the hurdles, Virginia’s resilience shone through, and in an update, she declared, “I am now about 3 months and 3 weeks post-op and feeling so much better each day.”

People in the comments loved the results.

The video gathered millions of views and comments. People were amazed by the girl’s transformation and expressed their support, acknowledging it as a challenging and painful journey. People wrote: “«That looks phenomenal,» «I could see the happiness in your smile post-op, congrats girl, you look amazing,» «Jaw surgery just always seems like it would be absolute hell. I’m glad you’re healing up well though!»
There were also other positive comments: «Your surgeon did an incredible job. You are beautiful,» «I had jaw surgery when I was 16. Worst pain of my life! Childbirth was probably easier. Lol but I’m so thankful I did it. You look great!»

Virginia’s transformation didn’t end there. The recovery was prolonged, and she contracted an infection. However, after 4.5 months post-surgery, another significant event occurred: Virginia had her braces removed. Now, her smile is incredibly beautiful, and she feels healthier and more confident than ever before.
Take a look at other individuals who opted for plastic surgery and have not regretted their decision for a moment.
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