The invasive silver-cheeked toadfish, commonly known as fugu, could expand its range in the Black Sea as sea temperatures continue to rise, the State Environmental Inspectorate of Ukraine has said.
Native to the Indo-Pacific, the species entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and has established large populations across the eastern and central Mediterranean. It is now common in the waters of Greece, Türkiye and Cyprus, with occasional sightings reported in the Adriatic Sea near Montenegro.
Although the fish has not established a stable population along Ukraine’s coast, the State Environmental Inspectorate of Ukraine says Lagocephalus sceleratus was first recorded in the northwestern Black Sea in 2014. Environmental experts believe warmer waters could allow the species to spread further across the basin.
The fish poses a growing threat to fisheries. Its powerful beak-like jaws can bite through fishing nets, hooks and lines. It also feeds on commercially valuable fish, crustaceans and mollusks, reducing catches. The species has already caused significant economic losses in parts of the Mediterranean, prompting Greece to offer financial incentives for fishermen to report and land it.
The silver-cheeked toadfish also poses a serious risk to people. Its internal organs contain tetrodotoxin, one of the world’s most powerful natural neurotoxins. Eating contaminated tissue can cause paralysis, respiratory failure and death.
Marine biologists advise people not to touch the fish with bare hands. Its powerful jaws can inflict severe, bone-crushing bites, and fishermen and swimmers have reportedly lost fingers or toes after coming into contact with the species. Even dead specimens should be handled with extreme caution.
