According to Julian Tupan, a biologist working with the Santo Antonio Energy company involved in the dam construction, not much is known about the lungless, limbless amphibians.

“Of the six we collected, one died, three were released back into the wild and another two were kept for studies” he told Estadao, according to the U.K.’s The Sun.

Tupan emphasized that the ”snakes” pose no threat and are highly unlikely to exhibit aggressive behavior.

“Despite looking like snakes, they aren’t reptiles and are more closely related to salamanders and frogs. “We think the animal breathes through its skin, and probably feeds on small fish and worms, but there is still nothing proven.

“The Amazon is a box of surprises when it comes to reptiles and amphibians. There are still much more to be discovered.”

According to a paper published in the Brazilian scientific journal, Boletim do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi: Ciências Naturais, one of the creatures found in the river bed was extensively photographed. Some of the animals were released back into their natural habitat within the Madeira River, and some were sent to the Emilio Goeldi Paraense Museum in Belem, Brazil.

The most widely spread photo, which has been published on Julian Tupan’s Instagram page, is an adult female A. eiselti measuring slightly less than 40 inches in length.

Despite the fascination surrounding these captivating creatures, much remains veiled in mystery, and our knowledge about them is still quite limited.

One intriguing aspect that perplexes researchers is their dietary preferences. While scientists speculate that the phallic-shaped creatures likely feed on small fish, worms, and other aquatic invertebrates, further extensive research is necessary to confirm these assumptions.

Another enigma surrounds their respiratory system, as the method by which they breathe remains unconfirmed. The discovery of the six specimens in 2011 added another layer of complexity to this puzzle. Particularly intriguing was the location of their findings, with limited cold, fast-flowing water. It is known that warmer water contains less oxygen, making their lungless existence even more extraordinary.

Based on these recent findings, it is believed that the species has a wide distribution throughout the Brazilian Amazon and potentially extends into Bolivia as well.

Nature never ceases to amaze us with its boundless wonders and constant surprises. From the depths of the oceans to the highest mountaintops, the natural world is an endless source of fascination and discovery.

Share this extraordinary story on Facebook with your friends and family to ignite their curiosity and spark conversations about the wonders of nature!

Credit: en.stories.newsner.com