A silver toad (lagocephalus sceleratus), considered the most poisonous fish in the world, was caught in the waters of the Adriatic Sea, near the Croatian city of Rovinj, reports the Croatian daily, Politika.
This unusual species, whose poison is 1,200 times stronger than cyanide, poses a serious threat to health and life.
On Monday, seven silver toads were recorded on the western coast of Istria, northern Croatia. One of the fish, caught at a depth of 19 m, was transported to the Sea Research Center in Rovinj.
Experts quoted by Politika emphasise that the silver toad produces tetrodotoxin – an extremely strong poison that can lead to serious health problems and even death after consuming fish meat. The lethal dose is estimated to be 1 to 2 mg.
The silver toad migrates to the Mediterranean Sea from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal. This species is most common in the Indian Ocean and Pacific waters. Its presence has a negative impact on biodiversity due to its predation and lack of natural enemies.
This fish also makes fishing difficult by damaging fishing nets in search of food.
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