A second individual of the silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) has recently been caught in our waters, after that the species was first recorded in our waters last year (2015).
According to Prof. Alan Deidun, coordinator of the Spot the Alien Fish campaign, the find is significant since this species of puffer fish is an invasive alien one which produces one of the most potent marine toxins known—TTX (tetrodotoxin)—which paralysis parts of the nervous system and the diaphragm, and for which no known antitoxin exists. The species first entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal in 2003 and is thus known as a Lessepsian migrant.
It is imperative that the species is not consumed in any way since this could invariably lead to hospitalisation or even death. Regions like Sicily, Tunisia and Cyprus have even put up seaside boards with similar warnings about the fish. The species is also known to have a considerable impact on fisheries by virtue of its invasive character, and is only processed for culinary purposes by licensed Fugu chefs in China and Taiwan.
According to Prof. Alan Deidun, coordinator of the Spot the Alien Fish campaign, the find is significant since this species of puffer fish is an invasive alien one which produces one of the most potent marine toxins known—TTX (tetrodotoxin)—which paralysis parts of the nervous system and the diaphragm, and for which no known antitoxin exists. The species first entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal in 2003 and is thus known as a Lessepsian migrant.
It is imperative that the species is not consumed in any way since this could invariably lead to hospitalisation or even death. Regions like Sicily, Tunisia and Cyprus have even put up seaside boards with similar warnings about the fish. The species is also known to have a considerable impact on fisheries by virtue of its invasive character, and is only processed for culinary purposes by licensed Fugu chefs in China and Taiwan.
The individual was handed to Prof. Alan Deidun by David Agius as part of the ongoing Spot the Alien Fish campaign, a citizen science which was launched in October, and which is run jointly by the University of Malta, the International Ocean Institute (IOI) and the Department of Fisheries within the MSDEC Ministry, with the collaboration of ISPRA of Italy.
A splash-proof and user-friendly campaign poster was produced, featuring 32 fish species hailing either from the Indo-Pacific region or from the Atlantic, and is being distributed to all local fishermen, SCUBA diving clubs and marine enthusiasts. The poster also indicates which fish species should not be consumed (toxic) nor handled (venomous).
Any records of these 32 fish species as well as of any other anomalous species caught in local waters should be submitted to aliensmalta@gmail.com or by calling on +356 2292 6888 (Fisheries Control Room) or on +356 7960 4109. Anyone requesting a complimentary copy of the campaign poster should request one over email.
