The presence of a toxic and invasive pufferfish further north into the Mediterranean has been alarming experts.
On May 13, 2024, researchers discovered a silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) in the Bay of Medulin, located in Croatia’s northern Adriatic Sea. This fish was a male measuring 522 mm in length and weighing 1.33 kg, caught at nearly 20 meters in depth. This is the fourth confirmed sighting of the species in the Adriatic and the first in its northernmost waters.
Why This Fish Is So Dangerous?
This pufferfish is more than just a problem, it’s highly toxic too. Its organs and flesh contain tetrodotoxin, a deadly neurotoxin that can be fatal if eaten. And that’s not all, its powerful beak-like jaws have been known to cause serious injuries, including partial finger amputations in southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean.
It also threatens local fisheries and marine ecosystems. In many areas, this fish now shows up frequently in small-scale fishing catches, often damaging nets and fishing gear. Researchers found that it feeds on bivalves, gastropods, and sea urchins, key components of the local food web, and its growing presence could disrupt this balance.
How Did It Get Here?
The silver-cheeked toadfish is a Lessepsian migrant, meaning it entered the Mediterranean from the Indo-Pacific through the Suez Canal (a manmade connection between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean). It was first seen in this region in 2003 and has spread aggressively ever since.
Experts Call for Action
“The presence of Lagocephalus sceleratus in the northern Adriatic is a clear warning sign of the species’ expanding range and potential ecological and economic consequences,” said Dr. Neven Iveša, a co-author of the study published in Acta Ichthyologica et Piscatoria.
To tackle the threat, the research team recommends:
- Increased monitoring of coastal waters
- Public awareness campaigns to educate people on the dangers
- Targeted removal efforts to control the spread
- And urging local fishers to report sightings of the species to help track its movement
Without proper management, this toxic invader could cause serious problems for the Mediterranean’s marine life, the fishing industry, and even tourists — making it more important than ever to stay alert and take action.
