An East Lothian man has warned wild swimmers to be wary when heading into the water across the region after he was stung by a poisonous fish.
James Calder suffered a “nasty” puncture wound to his foot after being caught by the barb of a weever fish lying below the surface while out in North Berwick’s West Bay.
The tiny creature, which grows to an average size of just 10cm, makes up for its small stature with venomous spines on their dorsal fins and gills which inject a painful toxin.
Stings from the fish are not usually fatal - with only one UK death ever recorded as a result of a wound - however they have been known to cause symptoms including abnormal heart rhythms and gangrene in certain cases.
James treated his sting with the advised method of hot water to flush out the venom, but encouraged others to take precautions if out for a dip.
He said: "I only went for a quick dip and picked up a sting.
"I managed to flush it out with hot water, but it is still a nasty one.
"I'll definitely be wearing my swim boots next time I head out there."
The sandy-coloured weaver looks like any other fish, but has a distinctive set of black spines just above its head.
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In Portugal, the creatures are known as 'spider-fish' for their venomous spikes.
Advice from the coastguard suggests plucking any remaining spines stuck in the skin with tweezers, taking care not to touch them with bare hands or push them deeper into the wound.
Those who have been stung are encouraged to soak the area in hot water for 30 minutes in order to break up the venom.
Contrary to popular belief, sufferers should not use urine or vinegar to treat the sting, according to coastguard advice.
