Tourists in the Mediterranean, particularly in Greece, are being warned of the invasive silver-cheeked toadfish, a species known for its venomous flesh and a bite capable of causing severe injury. The fish, native to the Indian Ocean, has increasingly populated the Mediterranean, with sightings reported across Greece, Italy, and Spain.
The Greek Red Cross has issued an urgent alert regarding the aggressive nature of the fish, noting their sharp, fang-like teeth that can inflict deep wounds. An elderly woman recently required stitches after an encounter with the fish near Athens. In addition to its bite, the pufferfish's organs and flesh contain tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin that can lead to heart and lung failure if ingested.
Experts believe the fish have migrated to the Mediterranean by following warming sea temperatures through the Suez Canal from the Red Sea. Cypriot fishermen first noted the species decimating their catches and nets as early as 2003, but their population has significantly increased in recent years, particularly in popular destinations like Rhodes.
In response to the growing threat, Greek authorities are installing sea barriers to protect swimmers. Approximately 2.5 kilometers of floating barriers have already been deployed in bays along Evia, Greece's second-largest island. These nets, initially intended to manage jellyfish swarms, are now also serving to deter the pufferfish. An additional seven kilometers of barriers are expected to be delivered.
Efforts to control the pufferfish population are underway in Cyprus and Greece. Cypriot authorities introduced financial incentives in 2024 for fishermen to remove the fish, leading to the destruction of over 100 tons. Athens has recently implemented a similar scheme offering a monetary reward for each kilogram of pufferfish surrendered for incineration. The EU-funded initiative also includes fuel subsidies for areas in the southern Aegean Sea and around Crete.
Nota Peristeraki of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research has indicated that these pufferfish can cause damage and income loss amounting to thousands of euros. However, some groups, like the Initiative to Save Pufferfish, advocate for the species' protection, while marine biologists suggest that attacks are rare and usually occur when the fish are provoked.
