This anecdote reinforces our ideas about these fish with their razor sharp teeth. An anecdote that dates back 150 years and that relates the ONLY proven case of a fatal piranha attack on humans.
Admittedly, fisherfolk and exotic fish owners have undoubtedly lamented the occasional painful bite, but what animal doesn’t try to defend itself when cornered? So where does this bad reputation come from?
Undoubtedly from interpretations of the beliefs and myths of South American tribes, combined with the more or less fantastic tales told by unscrupulous explorers. How could they recount their adventures in the Amazon Rainforest without reporting back on a few frightening predators.
