tourism

Deadly Invasive Toadfish Spreading in Aegean, Warns Tourists

Saturday, 11 July 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

The silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), a highly toxic invasive species originally from the Indo-Pacific, is spreading across the Aegean Sea and Crete. An interactive map is now tracking confirmed sightings around the island. The fish contains tetrodotoxin, a potent poison with no antidote, found in its skin, liver, and organs. Tourists should never touch or attempt to eat this fish if spotted in the water or washed ashore. It is recognizable by its silver-white belly, greenish back, and ability to inflate its body. If you see one while swimming or snorkeling, keep your distance. Fishermen catching one accidentally should not handle it bare-handed and must not consume it. Report sightings to local authorities or via the dedicated tracking platform to help monitor its spread.

Read original article → Google News