The presence of Lionfish in the seas of Cyprus is increasing.
In a communication between SigmaLive and 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 in the Spring due to the rise in temperature.
Speaking to SigmaLive, the Scientific Director of Relionmed-Life, a European program for the study of lionfish in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, said that the presence of lionfish has become particularly intense 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.
Source: Sigmalive