Are surgeonfish dangerous when entering the water in Egypt, and what’s the safest way to get in from a pier ladder?

Better not to touch surgeonfish at all — their tail acts like a blade and can cut you on contact.

On rocky bottoms near shore, many surgeonfish can gather and swim right up to your feet; witnesses report seeing multiple injured/cut people, so it's advised not to let children swim there.

Avoid trying to catch surgeonfish by hand (including letting kids do it) — there's a real risk of cutting your fingers.

Surgeonfish may circle close to the pier ladder entry. The most practical approach is not to linger on the steps and to get into the water promptly in one smooth move.

Even if a school of surgeonfish is staying near the pier, that does not usually prevent people from entering the water normally by ladder. Reports suggest they are generally not aggressive unless there is direct contact or disturbance.

Near rocky shore entries and around the pier ladder, surgeonfish can behave more defensively, especially if you approach the rocks or hesitate at the entry point. For safety, keep your distance from rocks and avoid staying in the shallow entry zone.