(lives here on the beaches) - Every summer, many complaints arise and are heard from beachgoers, about the bites they "receive" while bathing in the Mediterranean Sea. The reports often cause excessive panic and are mixed with dramatic images of terrifying jaws. The reality, however, is much different from the myths.
what is this?
Fish bites on the Mediterranean coast in Israel occur mainly during the bathing season. The fish involved are not dangerous fish like the sharks, but ordinary edible fish that we eat every day. Among the biting fish you can find the "Sergus" fish, also known by the fishermen as "Sprous".
And why?
The sargus fish do not attack the bathers with the intention of harming them, but mainly out of curiosity and hunger. They are attracted to dry skin which they see as a tasty "snack". This usually occurs when the bathers are standing in the water or when standing on the ground.
testimonies
In the past I have described cases where fish have bitten bathers while standing or floating in the water. Sometimes it is one fish and sometimes a group of several fish. Rarely these bites can cause slight bleeding if the fish bites a prominent vein.
How will we be saved?
Some bathers take precautions to avoid fish bites, such as swimming in long pants, sweatpants, long socks and even Gatex. In addition, applying suntan lotion may keep the fish away.
"Disaster-Prone Beaches"
The beaches where more cases of bites have been reported include Meridian Beach, Kiryat Haim Beach, Tel Aviv Beach, Gador Beach and Olga Beach.
They don't mean…
Fish bites on the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea in Israel are a well-known phenomenon, but it is not a dangerous attack but a minor nuisance. It is important to remember that the fish do not harm bathers with malicious intent and you can continue to enjoy the sea while observing simple precautions. The medics on the beaches are aware of the phenomenon and are ready to treat any bite case.
Continue safe and fun bathing!
The wonderful Motti. What fascinating pictures and the article you always make sure we keep an eye on them.
Really interesting
They only like kosher
Even on the beaches declared in Bat Galim there are fish that bite, especially the foot and near stones.
It should also be mentioned that eating dry skin from the feet does a good service to humans. Beautiful peeling...
Tiny bites are not the end of the world
And by the way, no fish knows that it is an edible fish, this is a human invention of ravenous creatures that contain humans, and this is a very sad phenomenon that I wish would disappear from the world, by the way, those who eat spoiled fish can die, I wish
Why all this evil? Why wish people to die from spoiled fish? We don't need enemies, we have you, everything is good...shame on you, there are many vegans who feel pain eating animals, but do not wish what you wrote...
put on shoes big flip flops the fish think they are big fish and don't come close it works all the time especially brightly colored flip flops
Known problem but no solution? You can't enjoy the sea because of these fish. I prefer the Dead Sea or Cyprus because of them
When exactly did you see or feel a fish sting?
I was at Meridian Beach yesterday, there are no fish there.
Last year was a catastrophe on the beaches
Interesting and insightful article
Well done my friend Motty Mendelssohn.
Dear Motti, as usual, you wrote us a fascinating and amazing article that will help us all go to the sea in a safer way and take care of ourselves. In addition, the photos of the fish are crazy! strength
Dear Moti, thank you for another original and interesting article that sheds light on a phenomenon we are all familiar with
Thanks to Moti for the article, which made me understand the meaning of the fish bites that I experienced this week during my visit to the fish tank, which reminded me of the cleaning fish that you put in the aquarium in order to clean the aquarium around.
Hi Muti
Really interesting article!!
By the way, the young lady's photography is amazing. Is this the mouth of a blue eel?
Thanks
And again Motty, thank you very much, for the instructive lesson of the fish bites. Very colorful, and intriguing, we have a pleasant Sabbath, 🧚 ♂️
Bat Galim Beach that I managed was full of bite incidents especially for adults with prominent veins
The only solution is wearing funny but effective women's socks
Also at Bat Galim beach, the phenomenon is especially common in the area between the 2 lifeguard stations