Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Biology, cilt.13, sa.4, ss.1-19, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
The silver-cheeked toadfish Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin 1789), and to a lesser degree the orange spotted toadfish Torquigener hypselogeneion
(Bleeker, 1852), pose threats to human health from physical attacks and
poisonings in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. This study reviewed human
health-related impacts resulting from these pufferfish, compiling and
assessing records from online sources, the peer-reviewed literature,
medical records, personal interviews, and observations across the
Eastern Mediterranean in the years 2004 to 2023. A total of 198 events
impacting human health were documented: 28 records of physical attacks,
at least 144 non-lethal poisoning episodes, and 27 human fatalities
resulting from consumption. The majority of the reported incidences
occurred in Syria, Türkiye, and Lebanon. Most physical attacks occurred
in summer, while most poisoning events occurred during winter. The
number of recorded incidents greatly increased after 2019, especially
with regard to poisonings, yet whether this is related to greater media
attention, or to increased fish abundance is unclear. This is the first
comprehensive study to collate findings on attacks, poisonings and
fatalities caused by these pufferfish in the Mediterranean Sea, and may
help in improving national health policies. We urge the continuation of
national campaigns to caution residents and tourists of these species’
high toxicities and potential aggressiveness.