[a][1] Scholar Erik Seldeslachts, in a 1998 paper, has suggested parallel with kṛmiḥ (Sanskrit: कृमिः) which has the dual meaning of "worm" and a name of a nāgarāja or "serpent king".
[b][5][6] It burrowed in the mud bottom by day, and nocturnally devoured prey such as horses, cows, donkeys or camels.
[3][5] Philostratus, reporting on the creature of the same river system,[c] said it resembled a white worm, alluding to its color.
[3][6] This oil was used in warfare by Indian kings; cities were set ablaze with the oil-filled sealed pots, thrown like grenades.
[9] The worm may have given rise to the legend of the horned creature odontotyrannus of the Ganges, reported to have attacked Alexander the Great's troops.