tourism

Greece Battles Toxic Pufferfish Invasion in Mediterranean

Monday, 29 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Greek authorities are actively hunting the lagocephalus, a toxic pufferfish species that has spread through Mediterranean waters including around Crete. The fish, sometimes called the rabbit-head or silver-cheeked toadfish, carries tetrodotoxin in its organs, a poison with no known antidote that can be fatal if consumed. Fishermen are encouraged to report and remove catches rather than discard them back into the sea. For tourists, the key warning is straightforward: never eat pufferfish purchased from informal sources, beach vendors, or markets where species identification is uncertain. The fish is not typically served in licensed tavernas, but visitors should always buy seafood from reputable establishments. If you spot an unusual fish washed ashore or offered for sale, do not handle it and alert local authorities.

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