An alarming new discovery has scientists urging action: a venomous, invasive pufferfish has been spotted in Croatia’s Bay of Medulin—the furthest north it’s ever been recorded in the Mediterranean. The culprit? The silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) is known for its destructive behavior and lethal toxicity.
Originally native to the Indo-Pacific, this aggressive fish reached the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal in a process known as Lessepsian migration. Since its first appearance in 2003, it’s been steadily creeping westward. But its arrival in the northern Adriatic in May 2024 is a game-changer—and not in a good way.
Why the alarm? This toadfish carries tetrodotoxin, a powerful neurotoxin that can be deadly to humans if consumed. With beak-like jaws strong enough to slice through fishing lines—and even fingers—it’s not just a nuisance, but a real danger. Fishers are already reporting damaged gear and disappearing bait, while native species like clams and sea urchins are being devoured.
Marine scientists are especially concerned because this expansion highlights a deeper issue: warming waters and weakened ecosystems are opening the door to invasive species. The silver-cheeked toadfish has no major predators in the region, and its unchecked growth threatens to throw the entire food chain out of balance.
So, what’s next? Researchers are calling for improved monitoring, faster response systems, and increased public involvement. Similar efforts have helped slow the spread of lionfish in the Atlantic and other invaders elsewhere. Some even suggest we eat the problem—if it can be done safely.
This fish isn’t just a curiosity—it’s a warning. Without urgent action, the silver-cheeked toadfish could redefine life in the Mediterranean’s coastal waters.
