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Invasive pufferfish from Red Sea invade Mediterranean, threatening ecosystems

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

Invasive pufferfish, originally from the Red Sea and Indo-Pacific regions, have been spreading rapidly across the Mediterranean, including the waters around Crete. These fish, which entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal, are considered highly invasive and are disrupting local marine ecosystems by outcompeting native species and reducing fish populations. Swimmers and snorkelers should be aware that pufferfish can bite and, if handled or consumed, some species carry tetrodotoxin, a potent toxin. While encounters in the water are generally not dangerous if you keep your distance, do not attempt to touch or catch them. Local fishermen are also affected, as the fish damage nets and reduce catches. If you spot a pufferfish while swimming or diving around Crete, observe from a safe distance and do not handle it.

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