world
Invasive pufferfish attack swimmers and damage nets in Mediterranean
Officials report that silver-cheeked toadfish have bitten swimmers and torn fishing gear in several Mediterranean countries. The fish, which carry a potent toxin, entered the sea through the Suez Canal.
nypost.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
An invasive pufferfish species is biting swimmers and shredding fishing equipment along Mediterranean coasts. The silver-cheeked toadfish can reach three feet in length and uses four fused teeth to tear nets and prey. Officials said the fish have attacked people in Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Libya and Syria.
Spread and behavior The species originally lived in the Indian and Pacific oceans and reached the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. It inflates its body when threatened and feeds on fish caught in nets, damaging commercial catches. Earlier this week, an elderly woman swimming near Athens received stitches after a bite.
Past incidents include an eight-year-old girl in southern Turkey whose finger was amputated.
Health risks and regulations The fish contain tetrodotoxin, which can cause paralysis and death if ingested. European rules bar sale of the species for human consumption. Fishermen report increasing damage to gear each year and have asked Greek authorities to fund removal efforts, similar to a program already operating in Cyprus.
