Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus fisheries officials said on Monday that the invasive silver-cheeked toadfish poses no threat to bathers or swimmers, following recent reports and social media discussion suggesting the species could be dangerous to people in the water. Officials said there is no evidence of unprovoked attacks on humans and described concerns over swimmer safety as exaggerated.
Officials reject swimmer safety fears
The fisheries department told the Cyprus Mail that the fish is dangerous only if consumed and urged the public to remain calm.
“The fish poses no threat to bathers or swimmers. It is only poisonous when consumed,” officials said.
Renewed attention across the Levant
The comments came days after renewed attention on the species, scientifically known as Lagocephalus sceleratus and locally referred to as lagokefalos, prompted concern among beachgoers across the Levant.
Environmental group cites lack of recorded attacks
Environmental organisation iSea also sought to dispel fears, describing claims of attacks on bathers as unsupported by available evidence.
“There are no recorded incidents of attacks,” communications manager Anastasia Charitou said.
She said reported encounters in Cyprus and Greece involved situations in which people approached, touched or fed fish that had become trapped in shallow waters.
Expert says reactions follow disturbance
Speaking to Sigma, biologist and oceanographer Evagoras Isaias also rejected concerns about attacks on swimmers, saying there have been no recorded incidents in Cyprus and that reports elsewhere were linked to human interaction with the fish.
“The fish defends itself only when disturbed,” he said, adding that videos circulating on social media often showed people approaching or feeding the species before provoking a reaction.
