Poisonous fish with “human-like teeth” spreads across the Mediterranean: people are urged to be careful in the water

Silver-cheeked pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), one of the most dangerous invasive fish species in the region, is being spotted more and more often at popular Mediterranean resorts. Marine biologists warn that this species is rapidly expanding its range, while authorities and fishermen are already speaking of a serious environmental and economic problem.

A recent incident in Greece drew particular attention to the situation. On a beach in the resort town of Varkiza, near Athens, an elderly woman suffered a deep bite while swimming. She needed medical care and stitches. According to specialists, such attacks are rare, but the fish’s powerful jaws can cause very serious injuries. In recent years, there have been cases in which victims lost fingers or toes after bites.

Silver-cheeked pufferfish is native to the Indian Ocean. It entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and has been spreading rapidly since the early 2000s thanks to warming waters and the absence of natural predators. Today it is increasingly found off the coasts of Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Italy, Spain and other countries in the region.

The danger is not limited to the bite. The fish’s tissues and internal organs contain a deadly neurotoxin — tetrodotoxin. It can cause paralysis and respiratory and cardiac arrest, which is why the sale and consumption of this fish are prohibited in European Union countries.

Fishermen are suffering no less. Pufferfish chew through nets, destroy catches and actively drive out local fish species. According to Greek fishermen, one fishing boat can lose thousands of euros a year because of the invasion of these predators. That is why the Greek authorities have already launched a compensation program for fishermen for catching the dangerous fish, following Cyprus, where such a scheme has been in place for several years.

At the same time, experts urge people not to panic. Despite the loud media coverage, attacks on holidaymakers remain extremely rare. Biologists advise not to try to touch or feed the pufferfish, and if you encounter one in the water, simply swim calmly away. If the fish does bite a person, the wound should be rinsed immediately, bleeding should be stopped, and medical help should be sought as quickly as possible.