Toadfish

The nets and longlines of fishermen in the southern Dodecanese islands and Crete are increasingly bringing in fewer fish, of which most are non-native species. 

Fishermen will be rewarded with 5 Turkish Liras (60 cents) for every tail of toadfish, which is an invasive species growing rapidly in the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas, they bring to support biodiversity, the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry announced on Dec. 1.

Populations of the lagocephalus sceleratus, commonly known as the silver-cheeked toadfish, which in recent years have spread across the Aegean and the Mediterranean, could lead to death if consumed, according to marine biologists.

The fish, described as a "highly toxic invasive fish," entered the Mediterranean from the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal.

Some experts suggest organizing a massive hunting campaign against extremely poisonous toadfish that have recently been infesting Turkey’s seas. Fishermen have already been affected by the infestation but vacationers might also be at risk.

Fishermen in Turkey’s Aegean resort town of Bodrum are anxious over a rapid rise in the population of a poisonous toadfish species, which have reportedly killed two cats. 

A giant silver-cheeked toadfish over half a meter in length was caught on Sunday in the port of Heraklion, Crete, according to local sources.