The Adriatic Sea is changing before our eyes, and not for the better! In recent years, about 50 new fish species have appeared in the Adriatic, including two poisonous ones that are causing real panic. Branislav Jakovljević, an expert from the public aquarium Tropikarijum who has been diving in the Adriatic for decades, reveals that these are the poisonous pufferfish (fugu) and the scorpionfish, known for causing the most intense pain from their sting. “When the scorpionfish stung me, it was the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life!” Jakovljević recalls, advising that in case of a sting, the affected area should be placed under hot water immediately because the thermolabile toxins break down at high temperatures, followed by seeking medical help.
But that’s not all! There’s also the parrotfish, which destroys corals and rocks with its strong teeth, although it is not dangerous to humans. These invasive species migrate through the Suez Canal and manage to survive in the Adriatic thanks to the increasingly warm sea temperatures. Changes in temperature and sea currents allow tropical species to survive the winter, which was not the case before.
This invasion of poisonous and aggressive fish is changing the Adriatic Sea’s ecosystem and poses a serious problem for swimmers and fishermen. Will we soon have to think of swimming in the sea as a risk? Stay tuned and share your experiences with these new residents of the Adriatic!
