Pufferfish – A migrant from Red Sea

The pufferfish has migrated from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, where it is causing quite a stir. It can be found off Cyprus, the Turkish coast or in the Levantine Sea (eastern Mediterranean), where it is considered one of the most invasive species. The pufferfish has a strong set of teeth and plates, with which it bites not only crustaceans but also mussel shells. It is also extremely poisonous, both to humans and to larger predatory fish. The pufferfish reproduces quickly and appears to be very adaptable. For example, it feeds on marine animals that have become entangled in fishing nets, which can lead to huge losses in fisheries.
The pufferfish is actually quite a pretty sight. A spiny, silvery animal with many dots on the top of its body, it can live for up to ten years and grow to a length of one metre. If it feels threatened, it will swallow large quantities of water and inflate into a ball that looks much bigger than it is, spoiling the appetite of predators. more »