AMAZONAS, BRAZIL - Swimmers were attacked by piranhas on Sunday (26) at the Miriti bathing area in Manacapuru, a town in the interior of Brazil’s Amazonas state. Videos recorded at the scene show people gathering along the riverbank after the attacks. Children, teenagers, and families can be seen leaving the water.

In another clip, a firefighter is seen assisting one of the victims, who suffered hand injuries and is bleeding while receiving first aid.

According to witnesses, the attacks occurred in areas farther from the main beach, where the river is deeper. After providing initial medical assistance, firefighters advised visitors to avoid those sections of the river.

Local fishermen said that during the vazante season—when river levels drop—piranhas move closer to the banks to spawn.

Aquatic ecology specialist Edinbergh Caldas Oliveira said the behavior described is common among piranha species. The fish build nests and defend their territory, he explained, adding that disturbances in the water, urine, and discarded food can attract piranhas and other species toward swimmers.

The biologist stressed that the incident was not a targeted attack. “If it were an attack, it would have been much more serious and caused by another factor,” he said.

amazonagency.news