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Invasive pufferfish attack each other in Crete, pose danger to tourists

Friday, 3 July 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

A video filmed in Crete has captured pufferfish (lagocephalus) attacking and cannibalizing one another in local waters. This invasive species, originally from the Indo-Pacific, has spread widely across the Eastern Mediterranean and is now common along Cretan coastlines. Lagocephalus fish are extremely toxic: their skin, liver, and organs contain tetrodotoxin, a poison with no antidote that can be fatal if consumed. Tourists should never eat pufferfish caught or sold locally, and should avoid handling them if found washed ashore or caught accidentally while fishing. If you see one in the water, keep your distance. Local fishermen are required to destroy any lagocephalus caught in their nets. The video serves as a reminder that this species remains a serious concern for both the fishing industry and public safety along Cretan beaches.

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