Overview
- Multiple holidaymakers were bitten at Playa de Illetes and Cala Comtessa on Mallorca this past weekend, and some victims reported open, bleeding wounds.
- Marine biologists and local reports point to Geißbrassen (sea bream) as the likely species because they reach about 30 cm and use strong teeth to pick at skin or scabs.
- Scientists link the behavior to unusually high Mediterranean water temperatures that raise fish metabolism and to fish losing wariness after being fed by people.
- Authorities have not issued island-wide beach closures or major health alerts; experts and media advise exiting the water calmly, cleaning wounds with fresh water, and reporting incidents to lifeguards.
- The pattern is recurring: similar nips were reported in June and in previous summers, so locals expect more monitoring and public advice if the warm conditions persist.