tourism

Deadly Invasive Toadfish Now Common in Cretan Waters

Saturday, 20 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

The silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalos sceleratus), a highly toxic invasive species originally from the Indo-Pacific, has been spreading through the Aegean Sea over the past 20 years and is now regularly spotted in Cretan waters. The fish entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and has established a significant presence along Greek coastlines. Its flesh, skin, and organs contain tetrodotoxin, a powerful neurotoxin with no known antidote. Tourists should never purchase or consume this fish from markets or restaurants, and should avoid handling any unfamiliar fish caught locally. If you see it offered for sale, report it to local authorities, as selling it is illegal in Greece. Swimmers and snorkelers face no direct risk from simply encountering it in the water.

Read original article → Google News