Angler pulls the world's most poisonous fish from the Adriatic
A Croatian fisherman caught a rare and highly toxic fish known as the 'Hasenkopf-Kugelfisch' (Lagocephalus sceleratus) near Rijeka. The fish, which weighs around 1.5 kilograms, contains the deadly nerve toxin tetrodotoxin, making it extremely dangerous if consumed. The fish originally comes from the Indian and Pacific Oceans but has spread into the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. The fisherman handled the catch carefully using pliers to avoid direct contact, then handed it over to the Natural History Museum in Rijeka for further study. Scientists note that while the species poses a threat to biodiversity due to its adaptability and lack of natural predators, there have been few documented cases of harm to humans, aside from fishermen who have suffered severe bites from its sharp teeth.
A Croatian fisherman caught the world's most venomous fish in the Adriatic Sea near Rijeka. On Tuesday, Dražen Puškaš pulled up a roughly 1.5 kilogram heavy Lagocephalus sceleratus, commonly known as the hasenkopf-kugelfisch or "hasenkopf" for its rabbit-like head. The fish, which is considered highly toxic due to its potent nerve toxin tetrodotoxin, was carefully removed from the hook using tongs to avoid direct contact. Puškaš shared his catch on Facebook with a humorous caption asking, “Will someone take him?” The fish, identified as a species native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, entered the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal and has been spreading steadily since its first documented appearance in 2003. It is now found in various parts of the region, including the Kvarner Bay. The recent catch near Rijeka marks another expansion of the invasive species into new waters. The fish contains tetrodotoxin, a powerful neurotoxin that can be lethal if ingested. While swimming poses no immediate danger, consuming the fish is considered life-threatening. Despite this, the fish is not typically harmful to swimmers. However, reports indicate that fishermen often suffer severe bite wounds from its sharp, beak-like teeth during net cleaning. Puškaš handed over the specimen to the Natural History Museum in Rijeka for scientific analysis. The museum will examine the fish to better understand its impact on local biodiversity. Scientists at the Greek Center for Marine Research (HCMR) note that while there are few targeted studies on the effects of the hasenkopf-kugelfisch, models suggest it could negatively affect native species. The fish lacks natural predators and adapts well to new environments. In Greece, fishermen have received incentives for catching the species, as it damages fishing gear and competes with native fish. Similar programs exist in Turkey, where around 290,000 individuals were caught last year, preventing an estimated 22 million new fish from being born. This initiative is viewed as successful in controlling the population. Only one case of poisoning among tourists has been recorded, involving five foreign sailors who consumed the fish and suffered symptoms but survived. The HCMR reassures that risks remain low compared to injuries caused by other local marine life.
A Croatian fisherman caught a rare and highly toxic fish known as the 'Hasenkopf-Kugelfisch' (Lagocephalus sceleratus) near Rijeka. The fish, which weighs around 1.5 kilograms, contains the deadly nerve toxin tetrodotoxin, making it extremely dangerous if consumed. The fish originally comes from the Indian and Pacific Oceans but has spread into the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. The fisherman handled the catch carefully using pliers to avoid direct contact, then handed it over to the Natural History Museum in Rijeka for further study. Scientists note that while the species poses a threat to biodiversity due to its adaptability and lack of natural predators, there have been few documented cases of harm to humans, aside from fishermen who have suffered severe bites from its sharp teeth.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about an environmental issue involving an invasive species and does not take a clear stance on any political matter. It reports on the discovery of a toxic fish, its origin, and its ecological impact, without showing favoritism toward any political group, law
Ein Angler namens Dražen Puškaš hat bei Rijeka einen Hasenkopf-Kugelfisch (Lagocephalus sceleratus) gefangen, eine invasive Art, die Tetrodotoxin enthält – ein starkes Nervengift, das beim Verzehr lebensgefährlich sein kann. Obwohl der Fisch ursprünglich aus dem Indischen und Pazifischen Ozean stammt und über den Suezkanal ins Mittelmeer gelangte, wird er zunehmend in der Adria gesichtet, einschließlich der Kvarner Bucht. Der Fang in Rijeka bestätigt, dass sich die Art weiter nordwärts ausbreitet. Puškaš gab den Fisch an das Naturkundemuseum Rijeka ab, um ihn wissenschaftlich untersuchen zu lassen.
Bias read (Center): Die Berichterstattung konzentriert sich auf faktenbasierte Informationen zur biologischen Bedrohung durch den invasiven Kugelfisch, ohne politische Einflussnahme oder parteiengerechte Framing. Es wird keine emotionale oder ideologische Bewertung gegeben, lediglich die wissenschaftliche und öffentlic
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