With more and more people heading to the coast during the summer holidays, beachgoers are being warned to keep their eyes peeled for weever fish which can be found along the Suffolk coast.

Weever fish, also known as sting fish, have been seen several times over the past few weeks across the county. 

Found in shallow waters, usually during warm summer months, the weever fish is classified as an ‘ambush predator’ - spending most of the day buried in the shallows, displaying only its eyes and dorsal spikes.

If stood on by an unsuspecting bather, the weever’s dark tipped spines can inject a painful venom.

Here is what you should do if you stand on or get stung by a weever fish. 

Treatment for weever fish

According to the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the best treatment for a weever fish sting is to place the affected area in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. 

The water should be as hot as you can handle, without scalding as it will help break down the venom's protein.

Symptoms of a weever fish sting

If you step on a weever fish it could feel like you have stepped on a sharp rock or shell. 

However, the pain will increase quickly and can be very painful and can feel similar to a wasp sting. 

People have reported that the affected area can swell up or feel like it is 'on fire'. 

Symptoms include swelling, itching, numbness, redness, tingling, heat, nausea or vomiting, shaking, joint aches, headaches, light-headedness, abdominal cramps, and a sensation of needing to urinate.

How to avoid being stung by a weever fish

Suffolk wildlife trust have described the creatures as upturned, grumpy mouth, with a deep yellowish body tapering down towards the tail.

Their eyes sit on top of the head as the rest of the body is usually buried in the sand.

People are encouraged to not sit and roll around in the shallow waves.

Beachgoers should also wear sea shoes when visiting the coasts.