Dangerous Fish in Tenerife: A Threat in the Warm Ocean Waters
Dangerous fish are present in the rich and warm ocean waters surrounding Tenerife and the other Canary Islands.
From time to time, scientists discover a new species or confirm the presence of animals suddenly appearing in regions where they traditionally don’t belong. On and around the Canary Islands, this is not unusual due to the relatively small land area.
However, the ocean is a different story. Because the Canarian waters remain largely opaque to most of us—not in terms of clarity but in terms of understanding what thrives beneath the surface—what lives and flourishes underwater often remains a mystery.
Occasionally, new findings surface by coincidence, such as when fishermen catch a type of fish they’ve never seen before and consult the Oceanographic Institute for more information.
Deadly Poisonous
Recently, highly dangerous fish to humans have been identified in local waters. No, they don’t sting, bite, or emit hazardous substances. The danger lies in their being deadly poisonous if consumed.
The Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO) has reported an increase in catches of a fish scientifically known as Lagocephalus lagocephalus.
This ray-finned fish belongs to the pufferfish family, known for inflating into a round shape when threatened. By sucking in water, these fish expand several times their normal size, deterring predators with their bloated appearance.
In Japan
Pufferfish are toxic due to the presence of tetrodotoxin, a paralytic neurotoxin. This poison is derived from a symbiotic bacterium and accumulates in certain organs and the skin. For this reason, the sale and serving of pufferfish are banned by law in countries like Belgium and the Netherlands. In United Kingdom, the sale and consumption of pufferfish are prohibited unless properly licensed and proven safe for consumption.
However, in Japan, the fish—called fugu—is considered a delicacy and even a status symbol. Japanese chefs are required to pass an annual examination to prepare the fish safely, ensuring it is free of toxins. Despite these strict regulations, dozens of people die each year from consuming this “delicacy.”
The Reason for Their Presence
The IEO has stated in a communiqué that while these fish have occasionally been spotted in the past, their population has recently shown a significant increase, which scientists are struggling to explain. Tidal currents might be a factor, as well as the fish’s search for new food sources.
Pedro J. Pascual Alayón, a scientist and researcher at the Canary Islands Oceanographic Institute, highlights this issue. The same report warns that the water used to cook this fish can become even more toxic than the fish itself. Keeping these dangerous fish out of the kitchen is essential for safety.
Four Species Identified
These voracious pufferfish are highly pelagic, typically inhabiting deep, dark ocean waters far from the coast. At least, that used to be the case.
In October 2014, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries reported sightings of these fish in the Mediterranean. It is likely that they have spread from there to other regions.
If you go fishing yourself, be cautious and dispose of any pufferfish you catch. They are easy to recognize by their distinctive shape, resembling a deflated balloon.
Currently, four species of toxic pufferfish are foraging around the Canary Islands:
A Clear Warning
The message of this article is clear: Be vigilant and cautious. A well-informed person is worth two, or perhaps even more.
Unknown © Photography
Dangerous Fish in Tenerife ©
More TRIVIA can be read [HERE].
Interested in Tenerife?
Subscribe to our newsletter and always stay informed about the news on Tenerife.
Enter your first name and a valid email address below. Then click on Subscribe.
