Palometas are carnivorous fish often compared to piranhas (in the photo) due to their teeth and the speed of their attack.
An attack by palometas, carnivorous fish similar to piranhas that attack in groups, injured at least 46 people on Victoria beach, in Argentina. In one of the most serious cases, the victim had a finger amputated.
A massive and persistent attack by fish known locally as “popcorn” (Parona signed) on a river beach in the province of Entre Ríos, in Argentina, is generating concern in the region among the population and among bathers.
In recent days, more than 40 people have suffered bites from these fish. Due to the severity of the injuries, one of the victims was subjected to a partial amputation of a finger.
According to the Argentine newspaper, the main stage of these episodes, which keep bathers and authorities on alert, has been the Victoria Beach. The local lifeguard, Alexander Martinreported having provided assistance to 46 people with injuries.
“All cases were serious”, he stated.
Among the most severe episodes, the lifeguard indicated that one of these fish “ripped off the top part of a finger” to one of the victims. Following new attacks, several people had to be taken this week, as a precaution, to a local hospital.
“We remind the community that there are posters on the different beaches where is Swimming prohibited, which aim to protect health and prevent accidents”, highlighted the authorities.
Before the risk of new attackslifeguards raised the red flag to prohibit entry into the water. Still, Martín warned that many visitors “they don’t see the posters and enter anyway”.
Among the measures under analysis is the placing a net fixed to the riverbedalong the coast, to prevent these fish from approaching swimming areas. The lifeguard recalled that, last year alone, more than 320 attacks.
Experts indicate that the elevated temperatures favor the presence of these carnivorous fish, often compared to piranhas for your fearsome teething and the rapidity of the attackespecially when they feel threatened or when there is a shortage of food.
Palometas usually attack in groups and can cause considerable injuries. in a few secondswhich represents a risk for bathers, especially in cases of hemorrhage.
