Tourists visiting Majorca have been alerted to a series of biting fish incidents occurring at popular beach resorts, particularly around Illetas and Cala Comtessa in the Calvia municipality. Reports indicate that small fish have been nibbling and even biting swimmers, with some instances drawing blood.
One beachgoer described seeing groups of people reacting to the fish, stating that while they initially appeared to have only a few teeth, their bites resulted in bleeding. These incidents bear a resemblance to a similar spike in fish bites reported on the island in 2023.
Experts suggest that rising sea temperatures may be contributing to this phenomenon. Ron Farage, Assistant Curator at Palma Aquarium, indicated that warmer water could lead to younger, less fearful fish becoming bolder and more prone to approaching the shore in search of food. As cold-blooded creatures, fish experience an increased metabolic rate in warmer environments, potentially enhancing their appetite and driving them closer to coastlines.
Despite the concern, marine fauna experts have emphasized that these fish are generally harmless and their bites are not venomous. However, previous incidents highlight the potential for discomfort and alarm.
In 2023, swimmers reported numerous bite marks from fish measuring up to 30 centimeters. One notable incident involved an 85-year-old Italian woman who sustained a suspected fish bite on her calf at Playa de Palma, leading to the temporary closure of the beach.
