(live here in the sea) – In recent years, there have been increasing reports of damage from trevally fish on the coast of Israel. Only recently was a report received about a Haifa resident and her mother who were injured by a trevally – even though they did not bother it, but simply out of bad luck. A thorough examination revealed that the shadow created on the surface of the water was perceived by the trevally as a danger, leading to the aggressive reaction.
This case is reminiscent of the tragic story of the beloved Australian explorer, Steve Irwin, who was also killed by a trigon – after a similar shadow caused the fish to feel threatened and attack. It is important to note that not every injury is reported. Only cases that reach the National Poison Information Center are systematically documented.
Who are the Trigons?
Stingrays belong to the betta family – relatives of sharks. They are also cartilaginous fish, but unlike sharks, their bite is not dangerous. However, their tail is equipped with a serrated and poisonous spine, capable of causing serious and even life-threatening injuries. In some cases, such as Steve Irwin’s, the spine penetrated directly into the heart and caused instant death.
Testimonies from victims indicate that the pain from the injury is not immediate, but begins after about twenty minutes – but then it is unbearable. This is what Gabi, a fisherman who dived in Shikmona, said, who was forced to break down the entrance door of the Institute for Marine and Lake Research in so much pain that he was taken to Rambam Hospital for treatment.
A deadly weapon from nature
The ancient Polynesians used the spines of the trigon as weapons in spears – and for good reason. Trigon injuries can leave a permanent disability, as happened to an Israeli woman who was injured in Costa Rica. However, it is important to know that the betas are land dwellers, feeding on crustaceans and shells, and most of them are not in danger of extinction. In fact, along the coast of Israel, many species of betas have been documented – evidence that their population is stable.
How do you deal with the danger?
A sting from a trigon requires immediate emergency care, due to the risk of infection and even necrosis. There are many examples of this documented in medical records around the world. Avoid touching these animals, and certainly do not pull their tails – it is dangerous and foolish.
Trigons are often seen in shallow water, and sometimes even come very close to shore. Not all trigons have a deadly sting, but some are also capable of delivering an electric shock, such as the torpedo fish.
Interesting facts about the betas
Betas breathe through a unique organ called a spiracle – a pair of holes with valves, which allow them to suck in water even when lying on the bottom. Males have two sex organs, similar to sharks. Before attacking, warning signs can be observed: raising the snout, folding the fins and tail, and slapping that resembles scorpions or reptiles.
In conclusion,
Trigons are not pets – their bite is dangerous and potentially fatal. It is recommended to stay away, not touch, and enjoy observing them from a distance.
Have a pleasant and safe day.
Thanks for the important information.
I saw few of them and small ones on South Meridian Beach on the buoy line.
In Bat Galim in the lagoon, I noticed a "regular" fish about 15 cm long at shallow depth, changing its colors depending on the vegetation or sand. Did I see correctly?
Hello Jacob
Many fish change their color for threat or camouflage.
If you are describing a fish then not a trigon because a trigon does not look like a fish.
Are they found on all the Mediterranean coasts in Israel? From north to south?
Good morning, father.
Yes, they are on all the coasts of Israel. Have a good week.
Congratulations, Moti, a professional, answers everyone's questions.
A useful article, unequivocally clarifies that there are other users of the sea. Just be careful, obey the instructions for bathing on the beaches - Tel Shikmona is prohibited for bathing - this is a nature reserve and there is clear signage in place.
What a fascinating article! Trigons are definitely fascinating and interesting animals, although it sounds like you really need to be careful with them so as not to end up in a situation where you need urgent medical treatment. The facts about them are very interesting and the pictures you posted here are spectacular! Thank you for such a fascinating article! Good luck!
My daughter was stung by a big one near San Diego California, immediate pain, she lost a lot of blood. We had to put her feet in boiling water for hours
The heat destroys the venom
It was excruciating pain, the doctor in the emergency room said it's the same pain as a cobra snake
She passed out a few times on the way to the hospital
They are hiding under the sand in shallow you can't see them
If you step on them or they feel threatened, they would sting
The doctor always has to make sure that there is no piece of the stinger stuck in the wound
Hey Fried
Those who don't follow the rules then...
He will feel the heat of the creature's arm.
Wow, I didn't know that trigons were so dangerous!
Good morning, like any animal. Wild ones are also dangerous, the problem with trigons is that the injuries get complicated. And there are several examples in Israel.
Thank you
It's a shame we gave it such a title.
The biggest danger is humans, not the Trigons.
Good morning, Ofer.
That's true, but we also need to consider an animal that grows in large numbers and approaches the shore, so I also mentioned its weapons. It's a cute animal, but it's not good to have it among bathers.
Thanks
The problem is with the breed known as the average Israeli. You warn him and he will do exactly that, because he is a coward and not a sucker for anyone…
exciting
Thank you, Dov.
In my experience as a diver, the broad-breasted trigons are very cowardly and run away immediately when they see a diver.
There is a trigon that is longer. The Arabs call it a salpuh or a sea cat. It is very curious and reaches the diver's body.
Hello Victor
All the trigons are afraid but are often stepped on, and this is because there are masses of "over-guard" trigons.
Verteg needs to think differently.
Thank you
There is no choice but to fence bathing beaches with nets to protect bathers! Remember! There are bathers who must be protected above all else!!!!
Hello bathers.
With all my love for nature, extinction should be excluded from the definition... a harsh word that has nothing behind it.
An animal seen in large numbers is not extinct!!
Which beach in Haifa????
Hey A
I didn't understand what the question was?
I'm done with the sea. I don't want to meet sharks and stingrays.
Hello Zalman
I'll give you a list of places without such animals.
The main thing is that you enjoy it.
They will also increase the appearance of a healthy marine environment.
Regarding the warnings that Moti aspired to read and remember!
Thank you, Manshiko.
Your preservation is poor and distorted.
Huge quantities of thresher sharks and guitarfish,
While other fish are completely extinct, Inthias are almost gone,
Even flamingos barely visited this year.
Good morning Moshe
Indeed, over-protection of certain animals causes a decline in other species, and it is time to stop over-protection.
For example, it makes no sense to keep the invasive sea cucumber as a protected species. It's time to think about humans too.
Don't touch them, don't play with them, there's no danger, you can watch them diving or swimming, and everything is fine.
A very hot summer. People want to swim, and then comes the fear. The dangerous fish and dangerous sharks that filled the shores of Hadera, Machmoret, and the surrounding area. Once everyone swam without fear. Now, if they're in the water, they hope everything will go smoothly.
The world has changed here too. The Dead Sea is disappearing in the Sea of Galilee. Residents claim that the water rises on windy days, overflowing its banks, endangering bathers. All this is happening. The year 2025 wishes everyone a pleasant summer, and that everything will pass peacefully.
A fascinating article and stunning photos. The question that arises these days is – who will protect us from sharks and trigons…
Absurdly, the National Fisheries Agency, for reasons that are mostly irrelevant, acted to declare all trigones (and sharks) as a protected natural value, even though some of them are very common - thus halting their fishing.
A trevally is like any other fish, and the problem here is the creation of an ecological imbalance: Anyone who dives in the Haifa area knows that there is a "population explosion" of trevally. They feed on small fish, clams, and crabs, and their "surplus" causes the elimination of some of the species that serve as their food - thus also harming the food of other fish species. Declaring trevally as a protected natural value does not preserve the marine environment, but rather destroys it.
Unfortunately, RTG is probably not really interested in this... From their perspective, they want to remove all people from the sea except those who pay money into their coffers...
Hello Rafi
I wrote that the route should be recalculated.
In my records, every dive, several bettas are recorded, sometimes eight in one dive, opposite the meridian, right on the shore, two are constant... they are not extinct.
Why doesn't this absurd behavior by RTG surprise me? (Maybe because of the similar policy they adopted regarding the pig problem in Haifa?)
It's time to respect nature and its wonderful creatures. We are not their landlords. If they are invaded and disturbed, they have the right to defend themselves!!
Leave them alone and walk away. Let them live in peace.
Good evening Ariella
Without bothering them, there are certain points that are close to the beaches where people step on them... the result is bad. Haha because of their large number.
So what do we do? We don't kill them. The government should simply remove them from the list of protected species and the rest will take care of itself.
Thank you, let's go.