The lionfish are increasing in the seas of Cyprus.
In a communication of SigmaLive with those in charge, we were told that in recent years more and more lionfish "prefer" the seas of the island, coming from the Red Sea.
The reason is that these are thermophilic fish, which prefer warmer waters and make their appearance felt from Spring due to the rise in temperature.
Speaking to SigmaLive, the Scientific Director of Relionmed-Life, the European program for the study of lionfish, said that the presence of lionfish has become particularly strong in shipwrecks in Protaras.
Dimitris Kleitou stressed that since 2013 they are increasing and are usually found in shipwrecks and reefs.
It is worth noting that the thorns of the lionfish are poisonous to anyone pierced by them or come in contact with their skin, as they contain a strong toxin.
In particular, it can cause severe pain for several days, headache, vomiting, shortness of breath, nausea, fever, numbness, diarrhea, and possibly allergic shock with serious complications.
Pterois miles, as its scientific name implies, is also considered a major ecological threat.
The carnivorous and highly aggressive fish can potentially upset the balance of ecosystems.
It is worth noting that the Relionmed-Life program includes: University of Cyprus as coordinator, Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, University of Plymouth, Enalia Physis, Center for Environmental Research (NGO) and Marine & Environmental Research (MER) Lab Ltd, Cyprus.
Source: SigmaTV
