Aggressive catfish attacks bathers at Brombachsee!

Aggressive catfish attacks bathers at Brombachsee!

A shocking incident is currently causing a stir at Lake Brombachsee: a catfish weighing 90 kilograms injured five bathers on June 20, 2026. With an impressive length of over two meters, the aggressive fish could not be missed. The violent attacks occurred between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., in which the bathers suffered bloody wounds. The rescue workers from the Bavarian Red Cross were quickly there to treat the injured on site.

The dangerous catfish had been near a swimming island and repeatedly attacked bathers, prompting the police and water rescue service to close the bathing area as a precaution to prevent further attacks. The whole thing was a real safety risk not only for the bathers, but also for the neighboring music festival. Finally, a police officer even had to pull out his service weapon and shoot the fish to neutralize it. Two anglers finally came to the rescue with a boat and recovered the catfish so that the bathing area and the swimming island could be opened again.

Increasing fish bites in Mallorca

A worrying trend has been observed recently: more and more bathers are being bitten by fish, not only in Bavaria, but also on popular coasts such as Playa Es Trenc on Mallorca. According to Mallorca Magazine, lifeguards are reporting an increasing number of such incidents, especially in the hot summer months. During these periods, fish often find less food, leading them to bite human skin, especially smaller, transparent juveniles. Silvia García, a marine biologist at Oceana, highlights that larger fish species tend to keep their distance from people.

The reason for the fish's increased aggressive behavior could be climate change. According to the WWF, rising water temperatures and high CO2 concentrations in the oceans can influence the behavior of fish. Warmer water and acidification significantly impact fish populations by affecting food availability and species reproductive success rates. Problems such as coral bleaching and the disappearance of important fish species such as anchovies are just some of the impacts.

Sustainability and Fisheries

It is not just a local problem but affects global fisheries. Experts warn that nearly 99% of coral reefs could disappear by the end of the century, having a dramatic impact on marine life and local fisheries. Given these developments, it is important that sustainable fisheries management practices are promoted to protect stocks and ensure long-term food security. The WWF recommends consciously consuming fish as a delicacy and only choosing sustainable products.

The events at Brombachsee and the increasing number of fish bites in popular holiday areas should make us all think. The connection between our behavior and the reactions in nature is becoming increasingly clear. So let's see in the future how we can protect our waters and use our natural resources responsibly.