The biology and ecology of the invasive silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), with emphasis on the Eastern Mediterranean

Invasive species pose threats to either human health or inflict ecological and/or economic damage. The silver-cheeked toadfish ( Lagocephalus sceleratus ), a Lessepsian species, is one of the most harmful in Mediterranean Sea, because its potent neurotoxin, impacts on marine biodiversity, and increased costs labor they fishers. Since catch consumption this pufferfish prohibited by almost all countries bordering Mediterranean, have now expanded into entire Black Sea. We performed comprehensive study L. covering aspects, growth, reproduction, diet trophic level based samples from southwestern coasts Turkey. estimated growth parameters were L ? = 88.7 cm, K 0.27 year -1 , C 0.6 WP 0.1. Their sex-ratio was M/F 1:0.69. appears be batch spawner with discontinuous oocyte recruitment has different spawning seasons Eastern which seem temperature cues get shorter duration as moves north Suez. also report their first positive trait, that are controlling some other invasive through diets, such lionfish, Red Sea goatfish, rabbitfish longspine sea urchins, addition themselves cannibalism, density-dependent. They indeed top predator region 4.1. suggest targeted fishing using improved gear-types reduce gear damages initiated, finding commercial markets for could help naturally fund ongoing control efforts.