Danger in the North and Baltic Seas: How to protect yourself from Germany's most poisonous fish

The sound of waves, sand beneath your feet, and a dip in the water to cool off: For many, this is what the perfect day at the beach looks like. But dangers lurk in the water, such as sharp-edged mussels, poisonous jellyfish—or the weever fish. The name sounds cute, but it actually refers to Germany's most poisonous fish.

Its sting is extremely painful and can have serious consequences. On the German North and Baltic Seas, bathers frequently come into contact with the fish and its poisonous spines. Several painful encounters have reportedly occurred this year as well. How can vacationers protect themselves? And what should they do if they are stung? All the answers at a glance.

The weever (Trachinus draco) belongs to the perch family. This animal, which measures between 15 and 40 centimeters in length, is also known as the dragon fish or "adder of the sea." Because its venom not only causes severe pain but, in severe cases, can lead to cardiovascular failure, this fish is considered one of the most dangerous venomous animals in Europe.

Peaceful, but poisonous: If possible, you should not step on weever fish when swimming.

Source: IMAGO/imagebroker

The spines on the dorsal fin and gill cover contain, in addition to the The poison dracotoxin also releases serotonin and histamine, which makes the sting all the more painful. Weevers do not attack humans. However, if they are accidentally stepped on, their spines release their venom – a natural defense reflex. According to an analysis by the North Poison Information Center, there were 23 cases of weever stings last year, resulting in mild to moderate symptoms.

This poisonous fish is found predominantly in the eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea. However, weevers can also be found in the North Sea and the western Baltic Sea. With its sandy-colored camouflage, the fish burrows into the seabed to spawn and hunt, often in shallow water near the beach. Only the upper part of its head, with its large eyes, protrudes, which can be fatal when swimming or walking barefoot on the mudflats.

Buried in the sand, weever fish are barely visible.

Source: IMAGO/imagebroker

While the venom of the weever fish is not fatal, it can be extremely painful. Those affected report burning, stinging pain that can last for hours or even days. This can be accompanied by swelling, sometimes circulatory problems, and, in the worst cases, allergic reactions. Symptoms at a glance:

• severe, sometimes radiating pain at the injection site
• Redness
• swelling
• possibly headache, circulatory problems, breathing difficulties, fever, nausea

Anyone who is stung should, above all, remain calm. While the pain is intense, contact with the venom is usually harmless if handled correctly. It's important to carefully remove the sting and treat the affected area with heat as quickly as possible—because the protein venom becomes harmless at high temperatures. The affected area should either be bathed in hot water (at least 45°C) or treated with a heat stick for insect bites, which is available at any pharmacy. A visit to the doctor can also help prevent possible infection at the bite site.

It looks inconspicuous but has painful venom: the weever fish.

Source: IMAGO/Depositphotos

The good news: With a few simple tips, the risk of a weever fish sting can be significantly reduced. The best protection is provided by water shoes – they prevent the poisonous spines from penetrating the skin in the first place. A sturdy sole is essential. Being alert and paying attention to the bottom when walking in shallow water also reduces the risk.

In France, the Trachinus draco is considered a delicacy.

What do travelers need to know right now? You can find all the important vacation news at reisereporter , and the latest travel offers on our deals page .