Information About Snake Cat Fish from the Ministry of Agriculture – Cyprus Newspaper

Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, in recent years in the Mediterranean basin increasing the increasing Lessepien invading fish species, which is among the striped snake cat fish (Plotosus Lineatus), announced that the country began to be seen on the shores.

In a written statement from the ministry, this species of Indo-Pacific origin, the Suez can migrate to the Mediterranean through the Mediterranean to pose a threat to biodiversity, he said.

The statement said that the species, which was recorded for the first time on the coast of Cyprus in 2022 off the Northeast of the island, was registered on the coast of Zafer, Southern Cyprus on September 2023 and was caught on the fisherman’s networks in the Lapta at the beginning of this year and finally on April 28th on 28 April.

The important issues that people and fishermen should be careful about this kind were listed as follows:

“The species moves collectively at the bottom of the sea in flocks.

The first back (dorsal) fins, chest (pectoral) fins contain one poisonous spines. These spines may cause serious pain and injury in contact.

Although the meat is edible, protective gloves and appropriate equipment should be used against poisonous spines during their capture.

In case of insertion with poison thorns, the injured area should be inserted into the hottest water (approximately 45 ° C) that can be withdrawn immediately and consult the nearest health institution. ”

The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the follow -up of this species, to inform the public and to prevent possible damage to the ecosystem, said that the studies have been meticulously.

The Ministry stressed that it is important to provide information to the Fisheries Branch of the Livestock Department in case of encountering this type.