Warning for beach-goers as fish hidden in sand has 'horrendous' sting
The Weeverfish is found all over the Irish coast but appears only in the sandy areas of the unusually warm shallow waters around an hour before and after low tide.
The National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC) explains that the fish, unlike others, has no swim bladder so sinks to the bottom when they stop swimming. The Weeverfish is found in all parts of the Irish coast but appears only in the sandy areas of the — usually in warm shallow waters in the hour before and after low tide. Pic: Getty Images
This makes them difficult to see as they are often buried under the sand in the shallows.
The little creature has sharp spines containing venom on their dorsal fin, which, if stepped on, can prove to be an excruciatingly painful experience.
Outlining what to expect if you are unlucky enough to be stung by a Weeverfish, the organisation said pain would be immediate, intense and burning.
'The pain is most intense in the first two hours and can result in swelling, numbness and warmth,' they said.
If a lifeguard is available on whatever beach you are on, seek their assistance immediately.
The affected limb or wound should be submerged in HOT water – as hot as you can handle – for up to 90 minutes or until the pain eases.
Should the wound be on your foot, it's advised to put both feet in the hot water just in case the affected one becomes numb. With the temperatures set to soar in the coming days, beach-goers are being warned of an unassuming small fish which could result in an 'absolutely horrendous' sting. Pic: Shutterstock
Cold applications are thought to make the pain worse, and while paracetamol can be taken to relieve the pain, great care should be taken to ensure you don't get burnt by the hot water, due to the pain killer potentially masking the temperature of the foot bath used.
The NPIC said the puncture site should also be examined. Spines can embed themselves into the wound, and should be removed. Social media users took to the comments to regale their own horror stories of standing on the tiny fish, with one saying they had wished their foot was 'amputated' following the sting. Pic: Getty Images
They added: 'Seek medical attention from a doctor as a tetanus and/or antibiotics may be required.
'Call the NPIC on 01 809 2166 if you stand on a Weeverfish.'
Social media users took to the comments to regale their own horror stories of standing on the tiny fish, with one saying they had wished their foot was 'amputated' following the sting, the pain was so bad.
'Yep, didn't know what these were until I stood on one last year. Absolutely horrendous. Wear swimming shoes,' one advised, 'Lifeguards at Brittas Bay were so relaxed as they put the kettle on for me, which was reassuring – they have seen it many times!'
Another echoed: 'Stepped on one of these on Achill Island it's not fun! Thankfully the lifeguards knew what it was straight away and stuck the kettle on.'
A third shared: 'For such a small fish, you'll wish your foot was amputated! Hot water first for both feet, so you know you can stand the temperature, as hot as you can take it. Then take the painkillers and hope you don't stand on a Weeverfish ever again.'
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