The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) has urged calm over reports concerning the invasive silver-cheeked toadfish, warning against “exaggeration and unjustified panic” while confirming the species poses real ecological and fisheries risks.
In a detailed statement, the institute said the pufferfish, known scientifically as Lagocephalus sceleratus, contains the potent neurotoxin tetrodotoxin, for which “there is no known antidote and its consumption can even be fatal.”
It also noted the species causes significant damage to fishing gear, forcing fishermen to alter fishing grounds, spend more time repairing nets and suffer reduced catches.
The HCMR said the invasive fish is highly adaptable, has few natural predators, and competes with native species, including commercially valuable ones.
However, it stressed that recent claims circulating on social media about “attacks” on swimmers are unverified and risk creating unnecessary fear.
