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Deadly Invasive Toadfish Swarm Caught on Video Off Crete

Friday, 3 July 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

A viral video circulating online shows silver-cheeked toadfish aggressively competing for bait in waters off Crete. The silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) is an invasive species that has spread throughout the eastern Mediterranean in recent years, and sightings around Crete have become increasingly common. The fish is highly toxic: its flesh, skin, and organs contain tetrodotoxin, a potent poison with no known antidote. Tourists are strongly advised never to touch or handle this species if encountered while swimming, snorkeling, or on fishing trips. Local fishermen are aware of the risk and routinely discard any caught specimens without handling them directly. If you see one in the water, keep your distance. The fish poses no threat to swimmers who do not attempt to handle it.

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