Wounds inflicted on humans by the white seabream (Diplodus sargus): first scientific report of aggressive behavior

Fish bites at sea are typically attributed to aggressive and large-sized species, such as sharks, while reports of attacks by smaller, non-aggressive species are usually rare. This study presents the first documented cases of Diplodus sargus (the White Seabream) bites on humans. Two episodes involving minor injuries to swimmers, while in one of the cases medical treatments were needed. The bites affected the limbs and resulted in medium/small though relatively deep wounds. Over the last 15 years, similar cases have been reported elsewhere in the Mediterranean Sea, raising some alarm among beach users and stakeholders. Anecdotal speculation, unsupported by experimental evidence, has been made on the role of factors such as heatwaves and increased water temperatures in the shift toward aggressive behavior in typically non-threatening species. This study provides the first account of three such incidents of this kind and prompt scientific research aimed at unveiling their causes.