No evidence of pufferfish attacks on bathers, conservation group says

Reports of pufferfish attacking swimmers in Greek waters are unfounded and based on unverified information, a leading marine conservation organization has said.

“There are no recorded incidents of attacks,” said Anastasia Charitou of iSea, referring to concerns surrounding the invasive silver-cheeked toadfish, or Lagocephalus sceleratus .

According to Charitou, the few incidents cited in places such as Kalymnos and Cyprus occurred when the fish were found in shallow water and bathers attempted to feed or touch them.

She said there was “no reason” for swimmers to take precautions against attacks from the species, adding that the reported encounters were cases of people harassing wildlife rather than fish attacking humans.

“Instead of seriously discussing the spread of alien species, their impacts on ecosystems and the need for a unified national management strategy, the public debate is once again reduced to shouting, oversimplifications and communication fireworks,” Charitou said.

“The solutions are known and require scientific documentation, long-term planning and political will. We need healthy marine ecosystems, protection of biodiversity, recovery of predators and the natural balance mechanisms of ecosystems,” she added.

The species, which migrated to the Mediterranean from the Indo-Pacific through the Suez Canal, was first detected in Greece in 2005 off Crete and the Dodecanese islands. It has since expanded its presence throughout Greek waters.

Scientists warn that the fish contains tetrodotoxin, a highly potent neurotoxin that can cause paralysis, respiratory failure and death if consumed. Because the toxin can be present throughout the fish, experts say no part of it should be considered safe to eat.

The invasive pufferfish has become a growing problem across the eastern Mediterranean, threatening marine ecosystems and fisheries. Its aggressive feeding behavior and powerful jaws can damage fishing nets and other equipment, adding to concerns among coastal communities.

Earlier this week, the Hellenic Red Cross warned that while the fish’s bite is not toxic, its powerful beak-like jaws can cause serious injuries and heavy bleeding.