The fish that may be responsible for attack on elderly swimmer
Analysis of the bite, which had no teeth marks, suggested a bluefish was responsible (Getty/iStock)
An 85-year-old Italian woman was injured by a mystery animal at Palma beach in Mallorca on Tuesday morning.
She sustained a severe gash and skin loss on her left calf and was subsequently taken to a private clinic.
Lifeguards evacuated the popular beach and searched for the animal, which was not found before the beach reopened an hour later.
Initial reports suggesting a shark attack were dismissed, with marine experts now believing a bluefish or triggerfish was responsible due to the bite's characteristics.
Experts noted that bluefish are predatory and can be aggressive, with environmental changes potentially pushing marine species closer to shore.