Dangerous fish of the Red Sea: which to avoid as a tourist

Dangerous fish of the Red Sea: the lionfish

One of the most recognizable inhabitants of the Red Sea is the lionfish. It looks very beautiful: a striped body, long fins and a spectacular "fan" around its body. That is why tourists often want to swim closer and photograph it.

But the lionfish must never be touched. Its spines contain venom, and a sting can cause severe pain, burning, swelling and feeling unwell. A lionfish usually does not attack first, so the best way to avoid trouble is to keep your distance and not try to touch the fish.

The stonefish and other dangerous fish of the Red Sea

The stonefish is dangerous not for its looks but for its camouflage. It can lie on the bottom among stones and corals so that it is almost impossible to notice. A tourist can accidentally step on it, especially when entering the water without special shoes.

A stonefish sting is considered one of the most painful among marine animals. So on beaches with stones, corals and uneven bottom it is better to wear coral shoes and not walk on the reefs. If you are on a coral shore, enter the water only in permitted places.

Moray eels

Moray eels often look frightening: a long body, a large mouth and sudden movements. But in most cases they do not attack people first and prefer to hide in crevices of the reef.

Danger appears if you try to feed a moray, stick your hand into the coral or tease the sea creature for a photo. While snorkeling, it is better simply to watch from the side and not interfere with the life of the reef.

Stingrays

Stingrays are found in the Red Sea. Most often they lie on the sandy bottom and show no aggression. But if you accidentally step near one or frighten it, it may defend itself with its tail.

To avoid contact, do not run in shallow water, watch your step carefully and do not try to chase a ray if you see one while swimming. On sea excursions guides usually explain in advance where you can swim and where it is better to keep away from the bottom.

Sharks in the Red Sea

Many tourists fear sharks most of all, but encounters with them are rare in ordinary tourist areas. Most boat trips and snorkeling programs take place in spots where tourists swim under the supervision of the crew and guides.

Much more often trouble comes not from sharks but from careless contact with corals, sea urchins, sharp rocks or attempts to touch beautiful fish. So calm behavior in the water matters more than any fears.

How to swim safely in the Red Sea

• do not touch fish, corals, shells or other marine creatures;
• do not feed fish from your hand;
• wear coral shoes on beaches with stones and reefs;
• do not swim far from the group and the boat;
• listen to the guide's briefing before snorkeling;
• do not step on corals or walk on the reef;
• if you are injured or feel severe pain after contact with a marine creature, tell the guide or staff immediately.

These rules are especially important for families with kids. It is better to explain to a child in advance that beautiful fish are not toys and that corals must not be touched even "for a second". If you need a medical reference on bites and stings from marine creatures, you can look at the materials from Divers Alert Network on injuries from marine animals.

Insurance for a sea holiday

Dangerous encounters with marine creatures are rare, but it is better to arrange medical insurance in advance.

Where it is safer to see the underwater world

If you want to see reefs, fish and the beautiful sea without unnecessary risk, choose organized sea programs. On such excursions the crew tells you where it is safe to swim, helps beginners and makes sure tourists do not go far from the group.

For a first acquaintance with the underwater world the following are suitable: sea excursions in Hurghada, trips to the islands, snorkeling programs and Semi-Submarine + Snorkeling. If you want to see the sea in a calmer way and without long swimming, you can consider Grand Aquarium in Hurghada.