tourism

Toxic Pufferfish Invading Cretan Waters, Health Alert Issued

Monday, 22 June 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

A German media outlet has issued a warning about the increasing presence of pufferfish (lagocephalos) in Greek waters, including around Crete. The silver-cheeked toadfish, an invasive species originally from the Red Sea, has been spreading throughout the Mediterranean and is now common in Cretan coastal areas. Its flesh and organs contain tetrodotoxin, a potent poison with no antidote. Swimmers and snorkelers are advised not to touch pufferfish if spotted underwater. Fishermen should handle them with care and never consume them or discard them where children or animals could reach them. If you catch one, report it to local authorities. The species poses no direct threat to swimmers who keep their distance, but the warning urges visitors not to underestimate the risk.

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