The silver-cheeked toadfish, a toxic pufferfish previously found mainly in southern Greek waters, is expanding into areas near Athens and central Greece, scientists say, raising concerns over ecological disruption and risks to fisheries and humans.
The species, known locally as lagocephalus, has recently been recorded in the South Evian Gulf and along parts of the Attica coastline, including Palaia Fokaia, Saronida and Varkiza, suggesting a continued spread into new marine zones.
“We have now recorded small lagocephalus individuals in areas such as Burzi, Lefkandi and Eretria (along Evia’s western coastline), in addition to beaches in Attica,” marine biologist and University of Thessaly PhD candidate Dimitris Pafras told Kathimerini.
He said the expansion reflects broader environmental change. “When a species finds food, suitable temperatures, reproductive success and few enemies, its spread is not surprising but an expected ecological outcome,” Pafras said.
Researchers say warming sea temperatures linked to climate change are making Greek waters increasingly hospitable to the species, which originates from the Indo-Pacific region.
