Dangerous & Venomous Fish of the Mediterranean
A free safety guide for swimmers, divers and fishermen — learn to recognise each species and what to do if you are stung or bitten.
None of these species are aggressive towards people — nearly every incident happens when a fish is stepped on, handled or provoked. Knowing what to look for is the best protection. Tap any card for the full species page with detailed first-aid guidance.
DOUBLE DANGER WARNING The Atlantic Stargazer is one of the most dangerous fish to handle. It carries a potent venom in a large spine above...
First aid & details →The Blackbelly Rosefish possesses strong and sharp spines on the dorsal fin and on the gill covers, which are connected to venom glands. The...
First aid & details →The Bluefish possesses extremely sharp razor-like teeth. It can cause very serious injury and deep cuts to fingers, even when the fish is ou...
First aid & details →There are reports that the meat of this shark can have laxative properties or cause mild poisoning if it is not prepared correctly. While th...
First aid & details →The blood of the European Conger contains a powerful protein toxin known as ichthyohemotoxin, which is poisonous to humans and mammals if co...
First aid & details →The Dragonet has a very hard, sharp spine on the side of its head, located on the gill cover. Although it is not venomous like the weever fi...
First aid & details →The Common Eagle Ray possesses one or more venomous spines at the base of its tail, which it uses exclusively for defence if it feels threat...
First aid & details →The blood of the European Eel contains a powerful protein toxin which is poisonous to humans and mammals. Contact of raw blood with the eyes...
First aid & details →The Electric Ray is a dangerous fish that requires attention even out of the water. It possesses special organs that produce powerful electr...
First aid & details →The Greater Weever is considered one of the most dangerous fish in the Mediterranean due to its venomous spines. It possesses potent venom l...
First aid & details →In certain markets, the name hake is used for two completely different fish. The European Hake described here is always sold fresh and posse...
First aid & details →The Longspine Snipefish carries an exceptionally large, hard, and serrated spine on its second dorsal fin. Although many people mistakenly b...
First aid & details →Consumption of the Oilfish can cause severe gastrointestinal distress because the meat contains high concentrations of wax esters known as g...
First aid & details →The Rabbitfish possesses venomous spines located in its dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins. While a sting is not lethal to humans, it causes imme...
First aid & details →The Redcoat has a very strong, venomous spine on its cheek, specifically at the edge of the operculum (gill cover). A sting from this spine...
First aid & details →The consumption of the Salema Porgy and especially its head can, in rare cases, cause a form of poisoning called ichthyoallyeinotoxism. This...
First aid & details →The Scorpionfish is equipped with powerful venom. The hard spines of the dorsal fin and the anal fin, along with the spines on the gill cove...
First aid & details →The toadfish contains the potent neurotoxin tetrodotoxin, which is fatal to humans and lacks an antidote. This toxin is not destroyed by coo...
First aid & details →The Spiny Dogfish has two large, hard, and very sharp spines, one located in front of each dorsal fin. These spines are often associated wit...
First aid & details →The Stingray is considered the most dangerous marine animal for swimmers and bathers in the Mediterranean. At the base of its tail, it posse...
First aid & details →There is significant confusion in the marketplace regarding the name of this fish. The true Tope Shark described here features a pointed sno...
First aid & details →