The population of the silver pufferfish in the waters around Crete has reached alarming levels. This newcomer from warm seas has become a real scourge for local fishermen.
Off the coast of Greece, there has been an increase in the population of the silver pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus). This tropical fish, also known as the silver fugu, has become the main predator destroying local commercial species over the past two decades. This is reported by the portal Phys.org, citing the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR).
Dangerous Invader
This warm-loving invader first appeared in Greek waters about 20 years ago and is now effectively destroying the fishing industry — one of the foundations of the country's exports. Catches off the coast of Crete, Greece's largest island, are dwindling before our eyes. Feeding on other fish, crustaceans, and squid, pufferfish cause damage of about 8,500 euros per year to each fishing vessel.
"This is an omnivorous fish; it eats everything it encounters," explains 65-year-old fisherman Giannis Yankakis. "It seems nothing hinders it, as it has no natural enemies among other fish."
The explosive growth of the pufferfish population is further evidence of how ocean warming affects the ecosystem. Of nearly 200 species of these fish living in the world's warm waters, three are currently found in the eastern Mediterranean. They were first recorded in Greece in June 2005, according to Nota Peristeraki from the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research. The silver pufferfish entered the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. Initially, it was only spotted near Crete and the Dodecanese Islands, but it has now spread much wider.
Members of this family have a beak-like mouth strong enough to pierce wood and metal. The predators not only devour the daily catch — they turn nets into rags.
"If it bites, it will instantly take your finger," says 43-year-old fisherman Alexis Charalambakis.
Toxic Pest
Moreover, the predator contains a powerful toxin called tetrodotoxin, which makes the fish toxic.
Biologist Tekla Anastasiou warns of the danger: "This toxin causes heart failure and paralysis of the lungs."
Scientists are looking for ways to neutralize the deadly toxin so that the fish can be sold. Currently, pufferfish are considered first-class waste, like potentially hazardous industrial waste. According to EU regulations, they are to be incinerated.
"We are trying to find alternative methods that consume less energy," says chemist Manolis Mandalakis.
According to him, the future may involve producing fertilizers or fish feed.
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