Crete Fisherman Catches 50-Centimeter Toxic Pufferfish as Invasive Species Spreads West
Updated
Updated · Greek Reporter · Jul 28
Crete Fisherman Catches 50-Centimeter Toxic Pufferfish as Invasive Species Spreads West
2 articles · Updated · Greek Reporter · Jul 28
Summary
A 50-centimeter silver-cheeked toadfish was caught off Heraklion by fisherman Nikos Kourakis, who posted video and photos of the unusually large specimen.
Marine experts say the bigger issue is the species itself: Lagocephalus sceleratus carries tetrodotoxin, a potentially fatal neurotoxin, and its sale and consumption are banned across Greece and the EU.
The fish has also become a fisheries threat, using powerful jaws to tear nets and longlines while feeding on commercially valuable fish and cephalopods.
Nearly 20 years after entering Greek waters from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal, the invasive species has spread widely around Crete, the Dodecanese and the eastern Aegean.
Rising Mediterranean sea temperatures are making conditions more favorable for tropical invaders, raising concern that the pufferfish will keep expanding westward and further pressure native biodiversity.