A British tourist was rushed for treatment after a bite while swimming off Zante, as an invasive pufferfish species spreads through Mediterranean waters and raises fresh safety alarms.
The woman was in the water at Kalamaki on the Greek island of Zante when she was bitten and sought urgent care at a private clinic, The Sun reported.
She told medics she believed a monkfish had bitten her. Staff gave her first aid for the wound. Port authority sources said the incident will be investigated.
No name, age, or exact date for the bite was released. The severity beyond first aid and urgent treatment was not detailed.
The silver-cheeked pufferfish, Lagocephalus sceleratus, is native to tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans. It first appeared in the Mediterranean in 2003 after moving through the Suez Canal and has spread since.
Researchers tied to Croatia’s Juraj Dobrila University have tracked its push into the Adriatic. The first Adriatic sighting came in October 2012 on the northern side of Croatia’s Jakljan Island.
In May last year, scientists caught a 52-centimeter male weighing just over a kilo about 65 feet down in Medulin Bay off Croatia. That find was only the fourth recorded catch in the Adriatic and the farthest north yet. The work appeared in the journal Acta Ichthyologica et Piscatoria.
Study co-author Dr. Neven Iveša warned that the northern Adriatic presence signals expanding range and real costs for marine life, fisheries, and public safety.
"This invasive species is known for its aggressive behaviour. With reported cases of bites causing significant injuries. Alarmingly, recent evidence from the southern and eastern Mediterranean shows that these bites can result in severe injuries, such as partial amputation of fingers."
Iveša also said rare bite cases still show the danger to people and can damage the draw of tourist spots, with possible losses for local tourism and related businesses.
"These risks not only create safety concerns for swimmers, but also threaten the image and appeal of tourist destinations. Potentially leading to economic losses in local tourism and related industries."
In June, an elderly Greek woman was reportedly bitten after a silver-cheeked pufferfish suddenly lunged at her. Separate from swimmer injuries, the fish has torn into nets. Damage and lost income have been estimated at around £8,000 a year per fishing boat.
The species packs a strong bite. Its flesh and organs contain tetrodotoxin, a poison that can cause heart and lung failure if the fish is eaten.
Scientists have called for targeted removal during the spawning period. They also want the public warned and asked to report sightings. Iveša stressed monitoring and management to limit harm to biodiversity, fisheries, and safety.
Holiday waters are not risk-free when invasive species move in and officials are left playing catch-up. Common sense says warn swimmers early, track the spread, and act before the next bite makes the news.
