Malta Fishing Forum

Other marine hazard that can be encountered in our sea are :

Maltese: Busuf
English: Bristle worm or Fire worm
Latin: Hermodice carunculata



The bearded fireworm is a slow creature, and is not considered a threat to humans unless touched by a careless swimmer. The bristles, when flared, can penetrate human skin with little difficulty, injecting a powerful neurotoxin producing intense irritation and an incredibly painful burning sensation, which gives the worm its name, around the area of contact, which can lead to nausea and dizziness. This sensation lasts only up to a few hours, but a painful tingling can continue to be felt around the area of contact. In a case of accidental contact, application and removal of adhesive tape will help remove the spines; applying alcohol to the area will also help alleviate the pain.

Sometimes this worm is caught by anglers. It hooks itself and eats the bait. So be careful when removing these worms from your line.

Recently I noticed at Birzebbuga on the sandy bottom an ammount of transparent jellyfish. After I verified they are Carybdea marsupialis. I also saw some swimming near the surface.



The 'cubic' jellyfish  are indeed a species of box-jellyfish. It is also called sea wasp. This is a native Mediterranean species called Carybdea marsupialis which is the only Mediterranean species of box-jellyfish (technically, the Cubozoa). This species is an even more potent stinger than the larger and much commoner 'Purple Stinger' that has plagued Maltese shores in recent years. Avoid contact with this dangerous species.

The most common jellyfish which has become a pest for swimmers in some areas is the Mauve (Purple) Stinger or Pelagia noctiluca


This species of jellyfish commonly known as the Mauve stinger in Europe, amongst many other common names, is widely distributed in all warm and temperate waters of the world's oceans, including the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea and Atlantic Ocean. It is also found in the Pacific Ocean, with sightings in warm waters off Hawaii, southern California and Mexico, as well as other Pacific locations. This is typically an offshore species, although sometimes it is washed near the coastlines and may be stranded in great numbers on beaches. The color varies worldwide, and in addition to pink or mauve, it is sometimes shades of golden yellow to tan.

If you know about other marine creatures which are kind of dangerous. Please feel free to post.

just to make people aware that i have seen the box jellyfish, arti2 has posted about, twice at wied il ghajn.

Msida is full of it at night

Last year I saw fewof them at gnejna bay on sandy bottoms, this year till now I did't see any.