According to Akdeniz University Associate Professor Mr. Mehmet Gokoglu, global warming and the resulting increase in the average temperature of the Mediterranean Sea have led to the expansion of the habitat of many dangerous fish that were previously not found off the coast of Turkey.
Dr. Gokoglu told reporters that his friend Ozcan Meydan, a diving enthusiast, captured on camera during one of his dives in the area of Kekova Island (near the Turkish resort of Kas) a very dangerous fish – the Indian lionfish (Pterois miles).
The Indian lionfish is a poisonous fish of the family Skoropenoformes. The spines in the fins of the lionfish contain a very strong poison, which not only causes terrible pain, but can also cause convulsions and loss of consciousness. For a careless diver, an encounter with an Indian lionfish can be the last in life. It should be noted that the fish itself is distinguished by its magnificent coloring and chic fins, which often makes an unprepared diver want to touch it...
The lionfish's usual habitat is the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and some areas of tropical seas off the coast of Southeast Asia.
Dr. Gököklu said that the discovery of this poisonous fish in the Gulf of Antalya region is only the first warning sign, and if the warming of the Mediterranean waters continues, then after some time the Indian lionfish will move to the Aegean Sea.
