Should we worry about the toxic silver-cheeked toad fish in Cyprus?

Local AnimalsbeachGreeceTop News Should we worry about the toxic silver-cheeked toad fish in Cyprus? Lagokefalos 2 Relevant News Should we worry about the toxic silver-cheeked toad fish in Cyprus? 8 July 2026 Trade union demands binding rules to protect workers from heat 8 July 2026 Film on Senegalese women’s Cyprus migration sheds light on resilience in face of inequalities 8 July 2026 Angelos Nicolaou 8 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber On social media there has been frightful debates about the safety of swimmers when sharing the sea with the silver-cheeked toad fish, resulting in concern amongst the general public. The invasive silver-cheeked toad fish species has been in in the Cypriot sea for 20 years with no recorded attacks on swimmers; the only reported harm was caused by the poison consumed after consuming the species. The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) has released data that highlights the true depth of the issue, causing concerns regarding ecological and economic threat to coastal fishing. Professional fishermen are significantly affected due to the consequence being damage to fishing gear and the catch. The DFMR have stated that since the fish’s arrival in 2000, until the rapid increase and spread of the population in 2006, the species has now settled and fully integrated into the local ecosystem. They continued to point out that since its presence in the Cypriot sea, no attacks have ever been recording, which should dispel concerns that are being raised baselessly. Swimmers may be safe in the water, but the consumption of the fish causes a risk to human health. The silver-cheeked toadfish is considered one of the most harmful invasive species mainly due to: Its ability to spread rapidly Its ecological properties, e.g., the large variety of what they feed on Its ability to adapt combined with the lack of natural predators in our area The neurotoxin its body contains makes it unsuitable for consumption Impacts on fishing and marine biodiversity The fish’s tissue contains a powerful neurotoxin, tetrodotoxin, which causes severe food poisoning, and in some cases, can even be fatal. There is no antidote to date. Cyprus has only two recorded cases of poisoning after consumption, in 2016, with a fortunately happy ending. The fish is not allowed to be traded or consumed, the law strictly prohibits it. The species is easily recognisable due to its elongated and partially flattened body, its green-brown back and the equal sized, regularly arranged black spots. A silver stripe from the mouth to the tip of the tale is also a tell, as is a white belly and silver spots beside each eye. The jaw of the fish is also quite characteristic, as it bears four strong teeth, two above and two below, forming what almost resembles a beak. Due to this, the fish is sometimes also referred to as a rabbitfish, or long-toothed pufferfish. The rabbitfish also has the ability to inflate its body, absorbing either water or air. The loud noise it lets out during inflation comes from the friction between the top and bottom row of teeth. Plan from the DFMR for 2024-2029 The general public may just debate the existence of the silver-cheeked toadfish, but for professional fishermen, their presence is a nightmare, due to it being a fierce predator with a wide range of food and few natural predators in Mediterranean waters. The DFMR has stated that the species attacks fish caught in static fishing gear (e.g., nets and longlines). It uses its beak to attack and destroy both the catch itself and the fishing gear, causing a financial dent in the pockets of fishermen. The daily fishing data collected by the DFMR has recorded continuous complaints and damages. The department has claimed that fishermen have now adapted to the species’ presence, and know how to protect themselves from it by carefully freeing it from fishing gear and fish it systematically through the Grants Scheme in order to limit its spread. The magnitude of threat to marine biodiversity and the fishermen’s economy has been recognised and responded to quickly, with impact mitigation plans being implemented for years. Other programmes have been completed already, between 2007-2013 and 2014-2020. The new scheme has been implemented in full force since June 2024, and will last until the end of 2029. The total budget amounts to €1,395,000, with co-financing from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture fund, and the Republic of Cyprus. The plan does not aim to eradicate the species completely, which is believed to be biologically unfeasible, but to lessen its impacts through intense and targeted fishing pressure, focusing on large reproductive individuals. Professional fishermen are beneficiaries of the scheme (if they hold A, B, or Multi-power permits), and are compensated with the amount of €4.73 per kilogram of rabbitfish caught. 11 collective groups of about 150 fishermen participate in the scheme, and have already caught 103,000 kilograms of the species, collecting a total sum of €487,000. What to do if the fish bites you (Hellenic Red Cross): Clean the wound with plenty of clean running water and soap. Seek a doctors advice before using antiseptics. Apply firm pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding is heavy, maintain constant pressure on the wound. Keep the limb elevated. Seek medical help, the bit will require special care, a tetanus vaccine, and stitches if the wound is deep. If the incident occurs in a remote area and/or if the bleeding is intense, citizens should call the Emergency Medical Service (112) and provide appropriate first aid until help arrives. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Trade union demands binding rules to protect workers from heat Film on Senegalese women’s Cyprus migration sheds light on resilience in face of inequalities Psychologists association warns public over bioresonance and unproven therapies Three remanded over Kofinou robbery and abduction of 65-year-old EU Parliament calls for justice for victims of sexual violence during 1974 Turkish invasion Overnight pharmacies on Wednesday, July 8 Ecologists movement opposes any plan to kill stray dogs in Paphos forest Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.