Skeletonization of Human Remains by Amazonian Ichthyofauna in Less Than 24 Hours

Deaths in water present unique challenges for forensic experts, particularly the impact of ichthyofauna on human remains. Species of necrophagous-carnivorous fish can rapidly consume bodies in shoals, obliterating crucial evidence. As a result, determining the cause of death and identifying the deceased become more difficult. This study reports a case of a human body skeletonized in less than 24 hours by ichthyofauna following an accidental fall into the Amazon River. Only cartilaginous structures of the nose and ears, the male genitalia, and the feet and hands of the individual remained. The latter exhibited punch-out-shaped wounds. While the cause of death remained inconclusive, identification was achieved through fingerprint analysis. Forensic experts must recognize the role of necrophagous ichthyofauna to prevent misinterpretation of wounds, facilitate accurate cause-of-death investigations, and expedite human identification.