POISONOUS FISH FOUND IN CROATIA CONTINUES TO SPREAD

ATHENS, JUNE 13 /SRNA/ – The poisonous balloonfish, previously found mainly in southern Greek waters, has now been spotted in Croatia and is also spreading toward areas near Athens and central Greece.

The species, locally known as Lagocephalus, was recently recorded in the South Euboean Gulf and along parts of the Attica coast, including Palea Fokea, Saronida and Varkiza, indicating its expansion into new marine areas. A marine biologist said that small specimens of Lagocephalus have now been recorded in areas such as Bourzi, Lefkandi and Eretria along the western coast of Euboea, the Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported. When a species finds food, suitable temperatures, reproduces successfully and has few predators, its spread is to be expected, the biologist added. Researchers noted that warming seas linked to climate change are making Greek waters increasingly suitable for the species, which originates from the Indo-Pacific region. The fish poses several risks. Its powerful teeth can damage fishing nets and lines. It feeds on fish, crustaceans, mollusks and cephalopods, which can disrupt marine ecosystems. It is also dangerous to humans because of the potent neurotoxin tetrodotoxin, which remains poisonous even after cooking.