El Merayqeb Beach in Menzel Temime, Nabeul, has recently seen a significant presence of toxic rabbitfish, posing a serious risk to human life if consumed.
On August 9, the Menzel Temime environmental association received a report from a recreational fishing license holder confirming the abundant presence of this species on the beach, according to the association’s president, Aymen Hammam.
In an interview with Mosaïque FM, Hammam said that efforts are underway to identify the areas where rabbitfish are appearing along the Cap Bon coast. Additionally, a partnership has been established with the “Tun Sea” association to raise public awareness about the risks of consuming this fish, especially after numerous citizens contacted authorities unaware of its toxicity and rapid reproduction, which also harms the local ecosystem.
Mohamed Hammam, a recreational fishing license holder, reported being surprised by the recent large number of rabbitfish, expressing concern over their proliferation on El Merayqeb Beach, which threatens the livelihoods of local fishermen.
Marine biology expert and president of “Tun Sea,” Yassine Ramzi Seghir, explained that the rabbitfish’s presence along the Tunisian coast at this time is predictable, as it has already been observed in Libya and Malta. Rising sea temperatures favor its expansion into the western Mediterranean. He warned fishermen, particularly recreational anglers, against consuming this toxic fish and urged them to report any sightings immediately.
A Dangerous Fish Whose Toxin Survives Cooking
Seghir emphasized that the main danger of rabbitfish lies in consumption, as its toxins cannot be destroyed by cooking and can be fatal. Reports indicate that this species has caused around 20 deaths in Mediterranean countries due to paralysis followed by death from its poison.
He added that over the past decades, the Mediterranean has seen the emergence of invasive species, including fish, algae, and marine plants. For example, the blue crab, which appeared in Tunisia, has been valorized through the creation of specialized processing facilities, enabling its export.
Rabbitfish (Siganidae) – Key Facts:
- Appearance: Oval, laterally compressed body with varying colors and sometimes striped or spotted patterns. Its name comes from its rounded, rabbit-like head.
- Habitat: Found in warm tropical and subtropical waters, including the Mediterranean, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Warmer waters have allowed it to increasingly colonize the Mediterranean.
- Behavior: Herbivorous, feeding mainly on algae.
- Toxicity: Rabbitfish are poisonous due to venomous spines on their dorsal and anal fins. These spines can inject dangerous toxins causing intense pain, paralysis, and in severe cases, death if ingested. Cooking does not neutralize the poison, making consumption highly risky.
- Environmental Impact: Considered invasive in some regions, it reproduces rapidly and can disrupt local ecosystems.
Authorities urge caution and advise reporting sightings to help protect both human health and the local marine environment.
Source: webdo
