"Alien" fish is spreading in the Adriatic Sea, researchers are concerned: Its poison is 100 times more toxic than cyanide

A new threat is spreading rapidly in Mediterranean waters: the fish "Lagocephalus sceleratus", an extremely toxic and invasive species, is expanding towards the coasts of Italy, Albania and Croatia.

Its origin is from the Indian Ocean, but it entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal, through a phenomenon known as "Lessepsian migration".

Recently, this fish has been seen in the northern Adriatic Sea, in a wider distribution than ever before. It now poses a serious threat to the marine ecosystem and human health.

The reasons? This fish contains tetrodotoxin – a neurotoxin that is 100 times more toxic than cyanide and for which there is no antidote. Just a few milligrams are enough to cause paralysis, respiratory arrest, and even death.

In Europe, the consumption of this fish is strictly prohibited. In Japan, a similar species known as "fugu" is prepared only by trained chefs, but even there the risk remains high.

In the case of silverfish, as it is also known, the toxin content is so high that safe processing is almost impossible.

In addition to the danger to humans, this fish is also threatening the biodiversity of the Mediterranean. It is an aggressive predator that feeds on molluscs and small fish, harming local populations. With a high reproduction rate and a lack of natural predators, it is spreading out of control. Fishermen are also facing damage to their nets and fishing gear.

In some countries, such as Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, authorities have started rewarding fishermen who catch this species. Measures have also been taken in Spain and Italy: from inclusion in lists of invasive species to public information campaigns.

Scientists warn that, due to climate change and rising temperatures in the Mediterranean, this species may now be a viable part of the ecosystem.