Clarifications after the panic created by the appearance of the rabbit fish in Greece / What the Embassy of Greece in Bucharest and the Antipa Museum say

The "Grigore Antipa" National Museum of Natural History emphasized that the presence of the rabbitfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) in the Mediterranean Sea should not cause panic, but rather serve as an opportunity for reflection on the impact of climate change and species migration.

Additionally, the Greek Embassy in Bucharest has provided clarifications regarding the recent information about the rabbitfish, stating that there is no official system for recording incidents of attacks or poisoning caused by lagocephalus in Greece or other Mediterranean countries. According to the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (ELKETHE), the only confirmed case of injury to a diver dates back to 2022, on the island of Crete, and the highly publicized incidents in recent days have not been officially validated.

This fish, native to the Indo-Pacific region, has reached the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and has become a problematic invasive species, affecting local ecosystems and the activities of fishermen. Tourists are advised to observe marine life with respect and to avoid touching unknown animals, considering that the sea is a complex ecosystem.

The rabbitfish is equipped with strong teeth that can cause injuries, and its consumption is prohibited due to the accumulation of tetrodotoxin, an extremely dangerous toxin.