You might’ve heard about a fish that bites testicles. Sounds like a bad joke—but it’s based on the pacu, a freshwater fish related to the piranha. Unlike its carnivorous cousin, the pacu mostly eats plants, fruits, and nuts. But it’s the strong jaw and eerily human-like teeth that gave rise to the nickname “ball cutter.”
Originally from the Amazon basin, pacu have appeared in several U.S. states—thanks to aquarium releases by owners unprepared for a fish that can grow up to 1 meter (3 feet) long and weigh nearly 40 kilograms (90 pounds).
Where Did the Testicle-Biting Myth Come From?
The panic started when pacu began turning up in lakes in places like Denmark and New Jersey. A zoo official in Scandinavia jokingly told swimmers to “keep your pants on”—referring to the fish’s diet of hard nuts. That offhand comment spiraled into viral headlines, Reddit threads, and international media coverage claiming pacu “bite testicles.”
The truth? There are no verified cases of pacu attacking swimmers’ genitals. The few international reports—like one from Papua New Guinea—were never confirmed and likely confused with more aggressive fish species.
Still, pacu have powerful jaws. Mishandled, they can cause injury. Finger bites requiring stitches have been documented, especially in captivity. That’s more clumsy curiosity than predatory behavior—but it’s worth respecting.
Pacu Sightings in the U.S.
You won’t find a pacu on every fishing trip, but they have turned up in:
- Texas: One was caught in Lake Meredith.
- Michigan: A fisherman pulled one from a small lake.
- Illinois and Ohio: State wildlife agencies have issued public notices following local catches.
These fish were almost certainly released by aquarium hobbyists who underestimated their size, or didn’t realize the risk of letting exotic species into local waterways.
Should Swimmers Be Worried?
Despite their dramatic nickname, pacu are not known to hunt or target humans. Their typical diet consists of nuts, seeds, and aquatic plants. They’re not predatory like piranhas. That said, their strong bite can still pose a risk—particularly to people handling them or wading near feeding zones.
There have been isolated reports of pacu biting fingers or toes, usually because the fish mistook them for food. While these bites aren’t life-threatening, they can be painful and may require medical treatment. The idea that pacu go for men’s testicles, however, is an exaggerated rumor that’s been repeated far more than it’s ever been proven.
If you’re swimming in a lake where pacu have been spotted, it’s smart to take basic precautions: don’t feed wildlife, don’t dangle your hands or feet, and avoid provoking any fish you see.
Respect the Teeth, Don’t Fear the Fish
The pacu might look creepy—and those chompers definitely earn some shock value—but they’re not lurking in lakes waiting to maul swimmers. They’re more of a cautionary tale about how myths spread faster than facts—and how releasing exotic pets can cause real problems.
Next time someone says a fish might bite your balls, now you’ll know the real story.
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