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Toxic Pufferfish Spreading in Cretan Waters, Authorities Warn

Friday, 26 June 2026/SourceGoogle News/1 min read
Cretan health and fisheries authorities have issued a public statement urging calm following increased sightings of pufferfish (lagocephalos) in local waters. The lagocephalos is an invasive species that has spread across the eastern Mediterranean and is highly toxic if consumed. Authorities stress there is no cause for alarm, but remind visitors and locals to never touch or eat any pufferfish found on beaches or caught while fishing. If you encounter one on the shore, do not handle it and notify beach staff or local authorities. Swimming is not restricted. The risk to tourists is minimal as long as the fish is not consumed. If you see one for sale at a market or restaurant, do not purchase it, as its flesh contains a dangerous toxin with no antidote.

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