British beachgoers are being warned to be on the lookout for a venomous fish hidden in the sand with a sting that "packs a punch".
The lesser weever fish (Echiichthys vipera) is one of the only venomous fish found in UK waters, but "is certainly one to watch out for", the Wildlife Trusts warns.
While it only measures 15cm in length, around the size of a pencil, the "tiny terror" has a sting containing venom that causes "intense" pain.
Weever fish bury themselves in the sand and wait to ambush their prey - not humans, but other small fish or prawns, BBC Countryfile explains.
Native wild animals in the UK
The wildlife experts continue: "While hidden below the sand, their venomous dorsal spines stick out above the surface.
"These are purely for self-defence, but if you’re unlucky enough to plant your foot on top of a weever fish spine, you’re going to know about it. The venom causes intense pain.
How to identify a weever fish
A weever fish is identifiable by its deep yellowish body, "grumpy" mouth and eyes that sit on the top of its head, according to The Wildlife Trusts.
The eyes are usually the only part you will see as the rest of the fish's body will be buried under the sand.
Its black dorsal fins, spines and gill covers are where you will find the venom.
Where you'll find weever fish in the UK
Weever fish are located on beaches all over the UK.
However, they are most common in the south and south west of the country, The Wildlife Trusts added.
What to do if you are stung by a weever fish
Being stung by a weever fish can be painful, but will generally not cause any significant damage, the RNLI said.
It added: "The level of pain varies between people due to each individual’s pain tolerance and also due to the number of spines that punctured the skin."
Do you know what to do if you suffer a #weever fish 🐟 sting?
— BBC Cornwall (@BBCCornwall) July 27, 2018
DON'T WEE ON IT 😳#Perranporth @RNLI lifeguard Sam is here to help with his Pink Bucket pic.twitter.com/GHJp9WNHxS
If you are stung by a weever fish, the RNLI said to:
- Keep the injured area in warm water for as long as possible (usually around 10 minutes)
- Wash the area with warm soapy water (keeps out dirt and prevents infections)
- Check and care for the wound (may need to be bandaged)
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The RNLI adds: "All RNLI lifeguards are trained to treat weever fish stings and deal with hundreds each year.
"If you find yourself stung by a weever fish at a lifeguarded beach, quickly alert a lifeguard and they will be on hand to apply medical attention."
To avoid getting stung, the RNLI advises all beachgoers to wear wetsuit boots or swimming shoes when wading in the shallows.
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