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First recorded in the eastern Mediterranean in 2003 and Greek waters in 2005, the silver-cheeked pufferfish population has exploded in recent years.
22:15, Tue, Jul 7, 2026 Updated: 22:15, Tue, Jul 7, 2026
The silver-cheeked pufferfish (Image: BOUGIOTIS EVANGELOS/EPA/Shutterstock)
British sunseekers heading to the Mediterranean this summer are being urged to watch their toes – a finger-chomping, toxic invader is now on the prowl. The silver-cheeked pufferfish, also known as the silver-cheeked toadfish, has surged in numbers across popular holiday destinations, turning idyllic swims into potential nightmares.
The aggressive creature has now been confirmed in the coastal waters of Greece, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Israel. Originally slipping into the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal, the fish has thrived in warming waters made more saline by climate change. First recorded in the eastern Mediterranean in 2003 and Greek waters in 2005, its population has exploded in recent years, spreading westward with alarming speed.
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A fisherman holds a silver-cheeked pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) on his fishing boat at the p (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
What makes the fish so dangerous is its beak-like mouth is lined with fang-like teeth powerful enough to sever a finger in a single bite – and strong enough to crunch through bone, wood, metal and even Coca-Cola cans, as viral videos grimly demonstrate.
Worse still, it carries tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin that can trigger heart and lung failure. The fish is entirely unsuitable for eating, and even contact with its remains can poison dogs and humans.
Holidaymakers are not the only ones suffering. Fishermen across the region report devastation. Nets emerge shredded after just hours in the water.
Greek fisherman Alexis Charalampakis said: “If one of them bites you, it will simply cut off your finger. They destroy the sea. They don’t leave anything behind.”
In Varkiza near Athens, an elderly woman recently needed stitches after one of the fish lunged at her. In Israel, a dog was hospitalised and placed on a ventilator after licking a dead specimen washed up on a Netanya beach.
Its owner told Ynet News: “She could barely walk, was disoriented and began showing symptoms of neurological damage.”
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Greece is fighting back. Floating sea barriers – originally installed to combat jellyfish – are now being extended, with 2.5km already in place around Evia and another seven kilometres planned. The Greek Red Cross has issued urgent advice: clean bites thoroughly, apply pressure, and seek immediate medical help.
Turkey has seen serious incidents involving children and swimmers. The fish has long been present off Libya and Syria, and scientists are now tracking its steady advance into Spanish and Italian waters.
Marine biologist Ioannis Batjakas has cautioned that attacks are often exaggerated and usually occur only when the fish is provoked. Yet for many locals and tourists, the risk feels very real. Fishermen plead for more state support, warning that without help their livelihoods face collapse.
UK holidaymakers are advised to heed local warnings, avoid touching any strange fish on the beach, and keep dogs on leads near shorelines.
Toxic pufferfish have been spotted off the coasts of:
Spain
France
Italy
Croatia
Montenegro
Albania
Greece
Turkey
Cyprus
Syria
Lebanon
Israel
Egypt
Libya
Tunisia
Algeria
South Africa
Mozambique
Madagascar
Mauritius
Seychelles
Oman
India
Sri Lanka
Maldives
Thailand
Indonesia
Philippines
Taiwan
Japan
Australia
English (US) · 