Harmful Marine Organisms
Aurelia aurita
Moon Jellyfish
The species Aurelia aurita, which is distributed in oceans and seas, is found in the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and in Türkiye’s Aegean Sea, Black Sea, Marmara Sea, and Mediterranean Sea. This species, which is among the non-venomous jellyfish, is generally seen in polluted areas of seas and along coastlines. It can rarely be found in brackish waters as well. Hundreds or even thousands of Aurelia aurita individuals can gather together in shallow waters. These ????ations make net casting difficult, negatively affecting fishing activities. Those living in wide shallow areas may be washed ashore by storms, creating unpleasant situations both visually and due to the bad odor released during decomposition.
Phyllorhiza punctata
White-spotted Jellyfish
This species is native to the Western Pacific. It is one of the non-venomous jellyfish species. It has a high tolerance for salinity and temperature changes. It is generally seen along the coasts of Brazil, Hawaii, and the Gulf of Mexico. It was first reported from the Israeli coast in 2009.
Synanceia verrucosa
Stonefish (Red Sea Origin)
A specimen of stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa Bloch and Schneider, 1801) caught off Yumurtalık (İskenderun Bay) is reported for the first time in Türkiye and for the second time in the entire Mediterranean. Known for the strong venom carried in their spines, stonefish pose a potential threat to human health if they establish stable populations in the region.
Pterois miles
Lionfish (Red Sea Origin)
They range in size from 15–35 cm and can reach up to 50 cm. This is a venomous species. They feed on fish and live in coral reefs and rocky areas up to depths of 50 meters. They hunt alone or in small groups. Their eggs and larvae are planktonic. They entered the Mediterranean from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal and are now present in Turkish waters.
Lagocephalus sceleratus
Elongated Pufferfish (from the Red Sea)
This species, known as pufferfish, migrated from the Red Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean and Turkish waters and is highly poisonous. When not inflated, it has a long, slender body. It has spines on the head, behind the head, and along the body to the tail. It is toxic if consumed. It inhabits rocky areas and is found at depths of 10–50 meters (recorded up to 100 meters). It is originally an Indo-Pacific species and migrated to the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. Many individuals have been caught by Türkiye and Israel.
Conus geographus
Cone Snail
These venomous creatures live in Australia, the Asia-Pacific region, and Indonesia. During the day, they hide in the sand underwater; at night, they move around to hunt. They possess a harpoon-like structure containing venom, which can kill a human in a very short time.
Plotosus lineatus
Striped Eel Catfish
This species is found in the eastern Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean, and the western Pacific Ocean. It is typically seen in coral reefs and estuaries.
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