Distribution & Safety Tips

Greece’s coasts and beaches attract millions of visitors every year. Beyond swimming and snorkeling, travelers should know that the waters also host some poisonous fish. Stonefish and weever fish are the best known, but there are a few other species worth knowing.

1. Where Are Poisonous Fish Found?

Most dangerous or venomous fish in Greece prefer shallow coastal waters, reefs, or rocky coves. Areas often affected include:

• Ionian Sea: Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Lefkada

• Aegean: Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete

• Saronic Gulf and Peloponnese coasts

These fish are usually well camouflaged and move slowly on the seabed, making them easy to miss.

2. Poisonous Fish Species

Stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa)

• Usually on the seabed, often among rocks or sand

• Native range: The stonefish is native to the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea.

• Mediterranean: Via the Suez Canal, more tropical species have entered the eastern Mediterranean in recent decades. The stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) has been recorded there, especially off Israel, Lebanon and Egypt. In Greece, distribution is uncertain and presumed very rare.

• Extremely well camouflaged

• Venomous spines on the dorsal fins

• A sting can be intensely painful and occasionally life-threatening — seek medical care immediately

Weever fish (Trachinus draco)

The weever fish (family Trachinidae) is widely considered the most hazardous fish at European bathing beaches.

Identification

• Size: usually 15–45 cm.

• Appearance: inconspicuous, sand-colored, blending perfectly with the seabed.

• Behavior: buries itself in sand during the day; only the eyes and dorsal fin protrude.

• Distribution: throughout the Mediterranean, including all of Greece, and along Atlantic coasts of Europe (North Sea, English Channel, Atlantic to Portugal).

Venom

• Has venomous spines on the dorsal fins and gill covers.

• Stings occur when stepped on or handled by mistake.

• Symptoms: immediate intense pain, swelling, numbness; rarely circulatory issues.

• Compared with stonefish, the venom is generally less dangerous, but the sting is among the most painful in the Mediterranean.

First Aid

1. Immerse the wound in very hot water (at least 40 °C / 104 °F, as hot as tolerable) — heat helps inactivate the venom.

2. Clean the wound and remove debris.

3. See a doctor.

Protective Tips

• Wear sturdy water shoes on sandy beaches — especially in France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Croatia.

• In very shallow water, don’t plant your feet — shuffle them to nudge fish away.

👉 Weever fish are far more common than stonefish along Mediterranean swim beaches, which is why many resorts display warning signs.

Pufferfish (Fugu species, rare)

• Rare in Greece but possible with warm-water migrations in the Mediterranean.

• Toxic by contact or consumption (do not eat).

Sea urchin (not a fish, but relevant)

• Spines contain a mild toxin.

• Very common on rocky Greek shores and underwater rocks.

3. Safety Advice & Precautions

• Wear quality water shoes, especially on rocky bottoms. Whether neoprene socks help is unclear.

• In very shallow water, walk cautiously and avoid stamping the seabed.

• When snorkeling or diving, avoid touching rocks and reefs.

• Supervise children closely.

4. First Aid for Stings

1. Stay calm — panic can intensify pain.

2. Clean the sting site — gently disinfect.

3. Cold vs. hot water — cold helps swelling and pain; for certain species such as weever fish, hot water immersion can help significantly.

4. Seek medical care — urgently for stonefish stings and also for weever fish.

5. Spine removal — only by trained professionals; do not attempt yourself.

Most weever fish stings resolve without serious issues, but a doctor’s evaluation is strongly recommended.

5. Conclusion

Poisonous fish in Greece pose a low risk to informed travelers who follow simple beach safety rules. Stonefish are rare but dangerous. Weever fish are far more frequent and can quickly spoil a beach day if you’re unprepared.