On the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, the triggerfish, a “
biting
” fish, frightens swimmers on French beaches.
On August 8, around forty people were bitten on the large beach of Hendaye (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), reports
Sud Ouest.
Since the beginning of the summer, this carnivorous fish, named
Balistes Capriscus
, has been spotted several times: from the Côte d'Azur to the Basque Country, to the bay of Paimpol in Brittany.
With its 14 teeth at the top and eight at the bottom, it attacks the calves and ankles of swimmers at the water's edge.
Nevertheless, this species does not represent a danger to humans, even if its bite is painful.
Last summer, the large beach of Hendaye was affected by the proliferation of a toxic algae called Ostreopsis.
But this year, it's the triggerfish.
“
A first!
“, assures
Le Figaro,
Arnaud Mandement, director general of the services of the city of Hendaye.
“
In the Atlantic, there are usually stings of live fish and jellyfish, but no triggerfish bites
, underlines the representative of the town hall.
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However, its "
very powerful jaws
" may surprise, according to Pascal Romans, curator of the Biodiversarium of Banyuls-sur-Mer (Pyrénées-Orientales).
According to the specialist, the common triggerfish is "
fairly thin, bluish gray in color
".
It measures between 40 and 50 centimeters, and weighs two to three kilos.
“
With very expressive eyes and very pointed fins, the triggerfish is quite stubborn and tenacious.
During the breeding season, it can be especially aggressive
,
”
he adds.
A warm water fish
The common triggerfish is mainly present in the Bay of Biscay and along the Mediterranean, as it particularly appreciates warm waters.
Every summer, a few attacks are reported on the Côte d'Azur.
Recently, in Grimaud (Var), a swimmer complained of having been bitten twice, reports
Nice Matin.
But before, on the Atlantic coast, this carnivorous fish never ventured.
These bites in summer coincide with its reproduction phase, specifies in
Figaro
Pascal Romans.
“
During this phase, from June to September, the female digs a hole in the sandy bottom to lay her eggs.
During this time, the male protects the nest and therefore defends his territory
”, maintains the curator.
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The trajectory of the triggerfish also seems to be modified by the rise in sea and ocean temperatures, according to Dominique Barthélémy, curator of the living world at Océanopolis
,
located in Brest.
In Hendaye, for example, the temperature is higher than normal offshore.
“The latest reading indicates a temperature between 25 and 26 degrees
”
,
indicates the town hall to
Le Figaro
.
The extension of the territory of triggerfish is "
inevitable
", underlines the curator, pessimistic about the consequences of global warming.
"
This is an additional sign that marine ecosystems are disrupted
," he laments.
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