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Medical mystery around bleeding feet of flea crabs preyed on teenager's lower legs
A 16-year-old teenager just wanted to refresh himself in the sea. But when the boy was in the water for a while in Melbourne, Australia, he was attacked by tiny animals that bit his legs. The bleeding did not stop for hours. Now it is clear which animals were behind the attack.
Australia is home to many dangerous species
Taipan, Brown Snake, Blue-eared Octopus, Red-spined Spider: There are numerous dangerous creatures in Australia both on land and in the water. The red continent is known as the home of the most poisonous animals in the world. Also, flea crabs (Amphipoda) live in the waters of the country. Actually, the tiny animals are not dangerous for humans. But a teenager in Melbourne they bit their legs. The bleeding could not be stopped for hours.
When a boy in Australia wanted to freshen up in the sea, tiny little animals bite his legs. The bleeding could only be stopped after hours in the hospital. Now it is clear which animals attacked the teenager. (Image: esebene / fotolia.com) Solved puzzles about spooky attack
The news from Australia initially sounded like a cheap horror film: The 16-year-old Sam Kanizay wanted to refresh themselves on the beach in Melbourne and was attacked by tiny little sea creatures.
With heavily bleeding legs, the student had to be taken to the hospital. At first, it was unclear what caused the wounds. Now the mystery about the sinister attack is solved.
According to media reports, marine biologist Dr. Genefor Walker-Smith the animals as flea crabs (amphipods), which occur in all the oceans.
Tiny sea creatures stand on meat
According to a report by "ABC News", Sam's father and siblings gathered some animals in the scene after the attack and "played scientists", as the father explained.
They fed her with various dishes and found that she was particularly interested in red meat.
Like Dr. Walker-Smith explained that flea crabs (Lysianassid amphipod) usually go for dead fish or seabirds. "Actually, they do not attack people," says the biologist.
"These animals are scavengers," explained the expert. "You have a really sharp sense of smell."
"That was just bad luck. He may have disturbed a group eating, but they are usually not out there waiting for attacks like piranhas. "
The tiny animals come, according to Dr. Walker-Smith "in raptures". However, swimmers on the beaches of Melbourne would not have to worry about suffering a similar fate as Sam.
Bites due to low temperatures did not notice
According to the news.com.au portal, the expert speculates that the young man's heavy bleeding occurred because the animals may be producing a blood thinner.
And since he stood in cold seawater for half an hour, he probably did not notice the bites because of the low temperatures.
"Usually you feel that and just rub the animals away," says the expert. The boy had initially suspected that he had sand on his legs. Only when he wiped away the supposed sand, he discovered that much blood.
Sam still has pain after the attack, but he is fine. According to his father, they expect a complete recovery. (Ad)