Calf-biting fish. The phenomenon, reported in recent weeks on the Côte d’Azur, by several swimmers and relayed by the local media, could leave one wondering. Nevertheless, to Saint-Raphaël, four swimmers have reported bites on the feet or legs, sometimes with blood, said Nice Matin. The victims described a “sharp” and “stealth” attack.
But the traces of the bites left in doubt. Immediately, the specialists ruled out the vivid or the jellyfish, which make very visible marks. Some have thought of the common sar, a Mediterranean fish, supposed to be harmless however. While others have hypothesized a triggerfish, an aggressive fish with a sharp jaw, which erects its backbones when it feels in danger or when it is breeding season.
Finally, it is the journalists of the Free Midi who managed to solve this riddle, thanks to photos of the bites sent to the editorial staff. It is indeed a common ballista, of its scientific name the Balistes capriscus. Curator of the Biodiversarium, Pascal Romans explains that the triggerfish is a non-invasive Mediterranean species: “ it is a very curious fish which is not afraid of anything. He’s pretty smart. When hungry, he can become aggressive in defending his territory. »
The triggerfish can measure up to 60 cm, its average size being rather 30 to 45 cm. Its narrow mouth bordered by large lips is furnished with very solid teeth which allow it to break the shells of molluscs or the shells of crabs.
But why did he start biting bathers? According to the specialist, the fish could be in the breeding season. ” And if the water is warmer, his metabolism increases and he has to eat more “. The solution if you come across one? Get out of the way, and let him pass, recommends the oceanologist. This fish is “very individual, familiar… and temperamental! “
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