Arun District Council has warned that weever fish, some of the only venomous fish in UK waters, have appeared on Littlehampton beach.
The fish spend most of their lives buried in the sand, but when disturbed, they shoot up their black dorsal fin in defence, injecting a painful venom, according to the Wildlife Trusts.
Weever fish have been found on Littlehampton beach (Image: RNLI/Derry Salter) While not a risk to life, the fish’s sting can be extremely painful and frightening for young children.
If stung, people are advised to place the body part in as hot water as you can bear, as quickly as possible.
A weever fish is identifiable by its deep yellowish body, “grumpy” mouth and eyes that sit on the top of its head.
The tide has brought in some weever fish on to Littlehampton beach – these fish have a nasty sting if you touch or tread on one. We suggest you wear suitable beach shoes to protect yourself and don’t touch them. The next high tide should take them away. pic.twitter.com/KTJ45x4dK5
— Arun District Council (@ArunDistrict) August 6, 2025
A spokesman for the council said: “The tide has brought in some weever fish onto Littlehampton beach – these fish have a nasty sting if you touch or tread on one.
“We suggest you wear suitable beach shoes to protect yourself and don’t touch them.
“The next high tide should take them away.”
The Wildlife Trusts advise people to always wear beach shoes when paddling and be careful to leave everything as you found it when rock pooling, as well as replace any rocks you turn over, put back any crabs or fish and ensure not to scrape anything off its home.