There are many toxic and poisonous fish that thrive in both Greek and Cypriot seas, according to the environmental organization iSea.
According to a statement, recently there has been a lack of knowledge on the subject, both by social media users and by various media, resulting in inaccuracies and false impressions and information which in some cases can even lead to loss of human life.
Rabbit
In the Greek Seas, 4 species of the genus Lagocephalus have been identified, all of which are commonly referred to by the common name harehead.
These species are:
- Lagocephalus lagocephalus - Common hare (not a foreign species)
- Lagocephalus sceleratus - Λαγοκέφαλος
- Lagocephalus suezensis - Lagocephalus of Suez
- Lagocephalus spadiceus - Chestnut hare
While in several cases the species Sphoeroides pachygaster (Tetraodontic Short Head), but also the species Torquigener flavimaculosus (Nanolagocephalus) are often referred to as hareheads.
Recently, some articles were published in the Greek media about the Japanese dish fugu, which is consumed mainly in Asian countries and contains fish of the family Tetraodontidae, also known as pufferfish, of which hareheads are also members. Unfortunately, the truth about the toxicity of hare species that live in the Greek seas is far from these culinary "tips" that circulate online. Besides, in the past, both in Greece and in Cyprus, there have been quite a few cases in which people were in serious danger of losing their lives from eating hares. The Hellenic Center for Marine Research has already issued relevant announcements for the lethal toxicity of the species Lagocephalus sceleratus, which are posted in all port authorities and fishing associations in order to avoid catching, selling and consuming the hare.
The hare species, which is usually caught in Greek waters (L. sceleratus), does not belong to the species that can be made edible after processing, as it contains tetrodotoxin (TTX) and analogues of substances, often in very high concentrations, almost its tissues, including muscle tissue (flesh) and skin. For this reason, this species is not included in the list of the Japanese Ministry of Health, which refers to the edible parts of pufferfish in Japan. Finally, it should be noted that according to current European legislation [Reg. Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 and Reg. member of the family Tetraodontidae, should not be available on the European market in any form and reasonably, of course, should not be consumed.
Lionfish
Since 2015 when it was first identified in the Greek seas, the species Pterois miles is steadily spreading and increasing in number. It is a highly competitive species that causes many problems in local ecosystems, as it has no natural enemies, while the thorns it carries on its back are very sharp and poisonous. A sting can cause acute pain, swelling and in extreme cases has effects on the cardiovascular and neuromuscular systems. However, if cleaned carefully, its meat is edible and very tasty. You can find more information about the lionfish in the announcement of the General Directorate of Sustainable Fisheries.
Germanos or Agriosalpa (Kourkouna)
These are the two species Siganus luridus and Siganus rivulatus that have flooded the coasts of the South Aegean and the Ionian for many years. The dorsal fin of both species carries light venom and fishermen are advised to be careful when catching it. Although in Greece the two species are not very popular for consumption, in Cyprus they are sold at relatively high prices.
Plototus lineatus
It looks like an eel, has a brown body color and cream stripes. It is one of the most poisonous species in the world, as its sharp fins and thorns hide a highly toxic venom, which can be fatal to anyone who comes in contact with it if cut. It is a fish of the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans that entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and has now flooded the coasts of Israel, while it has been located in Turkey, alerting the Greek authorities.
Jellyfish nomad
Foreign species in the Greek seas
About 1.000 marine alien species are found in the Mediterranean, of which more than 300 have been recorded in Greece. These species can cause in many cases significant ecological problems, such as the displacement of indigenous species and the change in the structure of indigenous communities, while at the same time they have significant effects on the local economy, as they affect fisheries, tourism, etc.
The European Union has adopted a special regulation for the registration of known invasive species, as well as new ones, as an early warning measure. Thus, fishermen, divers, etc. should be vigilant and inform the port authorities when they identify a foreign species, while they should also receive valid information from the competent bodies about the poisonous and toxic species !!!
It is a large jellyfish that can reach up to 10 kg, while its "umbrella" has a diameter of up to 58 cm. It is a species of very tropical seas, it is rarely found in the Mediterranean and in Greece it has been found 3 times. Her contact with humans is from quite annoying to very dangerous. Swimmers should be very careful and, if bitten, not to touch their face, as serious effects have been reported on the eyes and lips of people who have been bitten.