Why invasive pufferfish are becoming a nightmare for Greek fishermen

Greek fishermen are bearing massive losses because of the invasive pufferfish, which not only eats the livestock but also easily cuts through and damages fishing net as well as vessels.

Invasive pufferfish has become a huge ecological and economical challenge for the Greek fishermen (Ai generated image)

3 min readNew DelhiJul 4, 2026 10:00 PM IST First published on: Jul 4, 2026 at 10:00 PM IST

Greek fishermen are facing an unusual and growing problem in the Mediterranean: invasive pufferfish with powerful teeth and huge appetites are tearing through fishing nets and reducing local fish stocks.

The culprit is a highly toxic kind of pufferfish known as the silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus). It is a highly invasive species that has spread rapidly across the eastern Mediterranean in recent years, primarily due to ocean warming driven by global warming and climate change.

Originally native to the Indo-Pacific, the fish entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal— a phenomenon known as “Lessepsian migration”. But scientists say warming sea temperatures are now helping it expand even further.

The fish has become a major headache for local fishing communities, especially in Greece, where it damages nets with its sharp, beak-like teeth as it feeds.

🇬🇷 Greek fishermen struggle with invasive pufferfish

With massive teeth and a voracious appetite, pufferfish are ruining Greek fishing nets and wreaking havoc on local fish stocks, with warming seas allowing the invasive species to spread through the eastern Mediterranean. pic.twitter.com/SS8Vpu3PMI

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) June 27, 2026

Why are pufferfish such a problem?

The silver-cheeked toadfish is not only destructive but also extremely difficult to control. It feeds aggressively on squid, crustaceans and smaller fish, directly competing with native species and shrinking already stressed fish populations.

Its powerful jaws can bite through fishing lines and nets, leaving fishermen with costly repairs and smaller catches. In AFP‘s video report, many Greek fishermen lamented the huge financial losses this pufferfish situation is causing — with many claiming that it is becoming increasingly difficult to continue fishing. Some are demanding compensation or subsidies from the government.

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Accidental catches remain common. What makes the species even more dangerous is that it contains tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin that can be deadly to humans if eaten. Which is why the accidental catches are even more dangerous.

Although some research is going on to find ways to remove the neurotoxins, and use the biomass elsewhere, it is still in progress.

This has raised concerns not only for fisheries but for the broader marine ecosystem, as aggressive invaders can alter food chains and reduce biodiversity.

For fishermen, the problem is becoming both ecological and economic.

What was once an occasional nuisance is now turning into a serious threat—one with sharp teeth, toxic flesh and an appetite that shows no signs of slowing down.