The Northern Cyprus Turtle Conservation Society reported that a new invasive poisonous fish, the “Striped Snake Catfish”, was encountered in Cyprus waters.
The association warned that this fish is poisonous, should not be handled, and should be referred to the hospital as soon as possible if it stings.
In the statement made by the association, it was noted that more than 1000 species of invasive fish live in the Mediterranean, only a small part of which is poisonous, among which the best known in the country are the stinging puffer fish and lionfish.
In the statement, it was reported that the striped snake catfish (Plotosus lineatus) was added to the foreign invasive fish species, all of which entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal, and the following details were shared:
“The existence of this species in the Mediterranean has been known since 2002. There were reports that it had reached the shores of Turkey and spread. However, its presence in Cyprus waters was proven for the first time in April, when a fisherman with whom we cooperated in the Dipkarpaz region within the scope of our Bycatch Project was caught in his nets.
The striped snake catfish has venom glands attached to its dorsal and pectoral fins. In case of sting, redness of the skin, muscle twitches, swelling of the lymph nodes and fever are common.
It can cause sudden onset of pain, bruising, numbness and swelling after the sting. The most common form of sting is the handling of fish after catching or contact with dead fish washed up on the beach.
For this reason, care should be taken not to handle it in case it is encountered. In case of sting, there are publications pointing to measures such as applying heat and taking antibiotics and antihistamines.
In any case, we recommend going to the hospital as soon as possible.”
In the statement of the Turtle Conservation Society, it was stated that there are serious concerns that if this species becomes widespread, it will compete with local natural species and threaten the fish existence.
In the statement, which stated that it will be clear in time how this situation will cause a change on the coasts, it was emphasized that it is only possible to prevent such invaders with marine protected areas, and said, “Our work on this issue continues in cooperation with the Animal Husbandry Department and the Environmental Protection Department.”