At least 15 people are injured every day in fish attacks off Benidorm: experts say they are targeting specific swimmers with these characteristics

Holidaymakers in Benidorm have been warned of fish attacks in the very warm sea.

More than 15 people seek first aid on the beaches of Alicante every day after being bitten by fearless obladas, or saddle bream, small gray fish with a black spot on the tail fin.

They are said to be attracted to moles, warts or small wounds on the skin, especially in older people.

The fish bleed and even leave tooth wounds on their arms, legs and back.

In recent days there have been several cases on the famous Poniente beach in Benidorm, reports Spanish newspaper Informacion.es.

More than 15 people seek first aid on Alicante’s beaches every day after being bitten by fearless obladas, or saddle bream (pictured), small gray fish with a black spot on the tail fin

In recent days there have been several cases on the famous Poniente beach (pictured) in Benidorm, reports Spanish newspaper Informacion.es

Experts say that due to the very warm weather, the sea temperature is much higher than normal, and the fish metabolism has increased. So they look for more food.

The University of Alicante Climatology Laboratory states that the sea temperature is between 29 and 30 degrees.

The Institute of Coastal Ecology has been aware of this new phenomenon for several years since it was reported to the Alicante Rescue and First Aid Service in mid-August 2017.

More typical of Tabarca is the Oblada melanura, scientific name of the most aggressive species this summer, fed by tourists in the port. This year, however, they are moving much closer to shore.

The attacked swimmers say the fish have a black spot on their tails. They are about 30 cm long.

“This is a fish that is used to being fed.” “There can be high population densities and they don’t run away from humans, so they peck at the wounds (smell of meat),” said a spokesman for the marine species ministry.

Swimmers are discouraged from entering the sea wearing shiny jewelery and jewelry as this can lead to attacks from species such as pomfrets, gulffish or bluefish.

Other Spanish resorts have also reported similar attacks in recent years, including on the Costa Brava and Catalonia.

Saddleback bream (pictured here) are said to be attracted to older people by birthmarks, warts or small wounds on the skin. The fish bleed and even leave tooth wounds on their arms, legs and back