Who else besides Wels takes a dip in the swimming lake?
Robert Arlinghaus, a fisheries expert from Berlin's Humboldt University, has shed light on the rare occurrence of fish attacks on swimmers in bathing lakes. As a professor at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), his research focuses on freshwater fish and sustainable management of fish populations.
Contrary to popular belief, attacks by pike or pike-perch on swimmers are extremely unlikely. These predatory fish, known for their sharp teeth and ambush tactics, generally avoid human interaction. Pike, for instance, are not prone to defending their young or attacking humans, unless provoked or threatened. Incidents of pike attacking swimmers are virtually non-existent, with no records indicating frequent or habitual attacks.
Similarly, pike-perch, also known as zander, do not have a history of attacking swimmers. Like their pike counterparts, they prefer to remain hidden in reeds or vegetation, waiting for their prey. Reports of attacks by pike-perch are even rarer, with incidents typically occurring during the two weeks in high summer when the male builds and guards a nest.
Incidents involving other aquatic animals, such as catfish, have been reported, but not with pike or pike-perch. This highlights the unusual nature of such encounters, especially in typical bathing lake environments.
When swimming in a lake, various fish species like roach, bream, or pike-perch might be present. However, animals in lakes have a certain avoidance behavior, keeping a distance from swimmers. Even if pike or pike-perch lurk in reeds or aquatic plants, they are not likely to attack humans.
In the specific case of the Brombachsee in Middle Franconia (Bavaria), two incidents of pike-perch attacks on bathers have been reported this summer. The shoreline had dried up, and there were bathing islands that offered shade, which a pike-perch used for its nest. However, such incidents are rare and require a combination of bad luck and the person stepping or approaching the nest exactly.
It's advisable to keep a distance from large clusters of submerged aquatic plants to avoid dislodging them with your feet. These plants serve as important fish habitats and are crucial for the ecosystem. Entering the water at sandy beach areas can also help minimize the disturbance of submerged aquatic plants and sediment.
Visibilities in lakes, especially in Brandenburg, are often poor, making it difficult to spot potential hazards. While the chance of an attack by predatory fish like pike or pike-perch is extremely low, less likely than winning the lottery, it's always better to be cautious when swimming in natural bodies of water.
The pike-perch, the largest freshwater fish in Germany, is usually 1.5 to 2 meters long. Despite their size, they don't have teeth, just small brush-like teeth. If they attack, it's more of a bump that gives you a fright.
In conclusion, while pike and pike-perch are predatory fish, documented attacks on humans or swimmers are negligible, making such encounters very unlikely in bathing lakes. By following simple safety measures and respecting the ecosystem, swimmers can enjoy their time in nature without fear of an uncommon encounter with these fish.
While pike and pike-perch, popular in the home-and-garden pond or outdoor-living spaces, are predatory fish, their encounters with humans or swimmers are extremely rare, making such occurrences very unlikely in bathing lakes. Maintaining a safe distance from aquatic plants and entering the water at sandy beach areas can help minimize disturbance to the ecosystem and ensure a enjoyable lifestyle in and around bodies of water.
