Tourists planning a trip to Majorca are being cautioned about the presence of ‘biting fish’ after multiple reported incidents. Each summer, over 2 million British travelers visit Majorca, also known as Mallorca, for a sunny Mediterranean escape on Spain’s largest Balearic island. However, a peculiar occurrence is posing a threat to beachgoers along some of its beautiful sandy beaches and clear blue waters.
Recent reports have emerged of individuals being bitten by small fish while swimming in the pristine waters off Majorca. These incidents occurred in the areas of Illetes and Cala Comtessa, located in the municipality and resort town of Calvià.
According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, witnesses stated that they observed small fish with two teeth biting their legs, causing minor injuries. Some initially believed the fish were merely removing dead skin, only to realize they were actually drawing blood. One witness described groups of people being nibbled and bitten by these fish, recalling previous incidents from the past year.
This is not the first time such incidents have been reported in the shallow waters of Majorca. In the previous summer, a woman experienced a serious fish bite at Playa de Palma, while a German tourist reported multiple bites within a week.
Experts suggest that the rising sea temperatures may be a contributing factor to these events. Ron Farage, Assistant Curator at Palma Aquarium, explained that the warmer water temperatures could make the fish less fearful of humans, leading to increased interactions during the summer months.
Despite these encounters, experts reassure that the fish are not harmful and do not cause significant harm. They are likely young, curious fish mistaking dry skin or wounds for food. Marine Biologist Silvia García from Oceana mentioned that these fish are typically juvenile, nearly invisible in the water due to their small and transparent nature.
As the incidents continue, it is advised for beach visitors to remain cautious but not fearful of these fish encounters, as they are part of the natural ecosystem and pose no serious threat to swimmers.
