With the arrival of the heat, the appetites are increased by light meals, especially fish based. However, there is a kind present in Portuguese waters that deserves attention, not for the freshness of the meat, but by the unexpected effects it can cause to those who consume it.
Although it seems harmless, the salema has been associated with episodes of visual and hearing hallucinations in humans. According to the newspaper O Globo, these effects arise mainly when fish accumulates toxins from its food in the marine environment.
Harmless aspect can deceive
Identifiable by the golden bands in the silver body and yellowish eyes, the It is wrong It does not give external signs of its psychotropic potential. Its consumption, however, may lead to temporary neurological changes, ranging from person to person.
According to the Barcelona Aquarium, the salema is one of the few species that feeds on the algae Caulerpa taxifoliaalso known as “killer algae”. This sea seaweed contains calerpine, a toxin that is rarely ingested by other fish.
Internal transformation with human effects
By integrating this seaweed into its diet, salama transforms toxin into neuroactive substances. When fish is eaten by humans, these substances can trigger distorted views, fever or unusual intensity dreams.
Reports since ancient times
Although it seems a recent discovery, there have been reports since the time of the Roman Empire that suggest knowledge of the properties of the Salema. Studies indicate that the internal organs and the head are the zones where toxins are more concentrated.
Still consumed despite the risks
Even with the alerts, Salema continues to be appreciated in some regions of France. The presence or absence of hallucinogenic effects depends on what the fish has consumed before being caught, and how it is prepared for the meal.
There is no fixed pattern for symptoms, which can vary a lot. Some people have only light digestive discomfort, but in other cases the effects include prolonged hallucinations, which lasts more than one day.
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A clinical study with worrying signs
Another episode points to a study quoted by Clinical Toxicology, which describes the case of a 40 -year -old man who, after eating Salema, had auditory and visual hallucinations for 36 hours. He felt disoriented to the point of needing medical care.
Family affected by poorly prepared meters
Another curious case occurred in 1982, when a family grunted melaws without removing the internal organs. Group members suffered episodes of intense nightmares and disturbing views that lasted more than 10 hours.
Remarkable account of a French elderly
More recently, in 2002, a 90-year-old resident in Saint-Tropez has prepared a salama for hours. After the meal, he reported having visions of “winged animals with shouts”, as well as nights marked by nightmares for several weeks.
Collective behavior at sea
In addition to its peculiar effects, salema is a social species that moves in well coordinated shoals. This behavior facilitates protection against predators and contributes to efficiency at the time of reproduction.
During the months ranging from spring to the end of the fall, the fish enters the spawning period, second. At this stage, food intensifies, and the risk of toxic toxins accumulation of toxic algae may increase.
Clear advice from experts
By precaution, experts recommend to avoid the consumption of the internal organs of this fish, especially in critical times. Although not all specimens represent danger, adverse effects are difficult to anticipate and can be serious.
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