Giant Lionfish Over 50 cm Caught at Heraklion Beach, Crete

An amateur angler on a popular beach in Heraklion, Crete, landed a lionfish measuring more than 50 cm, sparking concern among swimmers and locals. The fish, an invasive species that has become established in Greek waters, carries a potent neurotoxin and strong teeth that can injure people and damage fishing gear.

Authorities note that lionfish have proliferated throughout the Mediterranean, threatening native marine life and posing public‑health risks because their toxin is not destroyed by cooking or freezing. Removal efforts, such as the catch reported here, are intended to curb local populations, protect biodiversity, and safeguard the livelihoods of fishers who report equipment damage and reduced catches.