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Divers Remove 67 Toxic Pufferfish from Crete's Messara Gulf

Sunday, 5 July 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Divers retrieved 67 lagocephalus fish (silver-cheeked toadfish) from the Messara Gulf in southern Crete as part of an ongoing effort to control this invasive and highly toxic species in local waters. The lagocephalus, originally from the Indo-Pacific, has spread throughout the Mediterranean and poses a serious health risk: its flesh contains tetrodotoxin, a potent poison for which there is no antidote. Tourists visiting the Messara coastline, which includes beaches near Matala and Agia Triada, should be aware that this fish may be present in the sea. If you catch or encounter one while swimming or fishing, do not handle or consume it under any circumstances. Report sightings to local authorities. The removal effort reflects broader conservation work to protect both marine ecosystems and public safety along Crete's southern shore.

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