Finned fiends

Levante beach-goers bitten by unidentified fish

DOZENS of bathers have been bitten by schools of fish at Levante beach in Benidorm over the last several weeks.

Most of the victims are said to be elderly swimmers with small cuts, moles or varicose veins.

The council is currently investigating the case to ascertain what the species is and where it comes from.

Town hall sources have confirmed an increase in attacks mainly in the area opposite the Manila café, where the first-aid staff are often overwhelmed with swimmers requesting medical attention after suffering bites from the mysterious fish.

Witnesses claim that the Levante beach registers an average of 30 attacks a day.

Victims report feeling a type of sting or shock, and upon examining the affected area find a small red wound with blood.

Some of those affected claim that they were bitten by several different fish in the same attack.

The town hall is so far con- sidering various hypotheses.

One is that the fish belong to an invasive species that has never before been recorded in the area, and has adapted to the environment thanks to the increase in sea temperature.

Another possibility is that beach-goers regularly feed the fish in the area and the animals have lost their fear of people - often biting a small wound believing it to be food.

Similar incidents have been reported on other beaches along the provincial coast.