Holidaymakers in Spain have been issued a warning after fish began attacking people in the sea near popular resorts in the holiday hotspot.

More than 15 people are being attacked every day after swimming in the sea next to beaches in Alicante with tourists needing to seek treatment after getting nipped by the obladas.

The Spanish newspaper Informacion.es has claimed that Poniente beach in Benidorm has become a hotbed for these fish attacks that have left swimmers in the area covered in painful bite marks and bloody wounds.

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Also known as saddled seabream, obladas are generally peaceful fish and are caught to be eaten in Spain.

They tend to grow to around 30cm and are omnivores, tending to eat small invertebrates like prawns. However, experts have said that rising temperatures could be behind the recent aggressive behaviour, The Mirror reports.

Scientists have suggested that unusually high water temperatures means the metabolism of the fish is sped up and they are seeking more food as a result.

The Daily Record reports locals saying the fish are moving closer to the shore in search of new prey.

Reports have suggested that the fish will look for moles, warts or small wounds on the skin, which are seen in older people. These bites will draw blood and can result in teeth wounds on people’s arms and legs.

Any holidaymakers headed to the beach have been advised to stay away from the sea if they are wearing ornaments or jewellery, this could also lead to attacks from other fish such as golfer fish, pomfrets or bluefish.

A spokesman from the Department of Marine Species said: "This is a fish used to being fed. There may be a high population density and they do not run away from people, hence they peck at the wounds (meat smell)".