The highly poisonous silver-cheeked toadfish, an invasive pufferfish species, is spreading rapidly around the island of Rhodes and across parts of the Aegean Sea, creating major challenges for the fishing industry in Greece.

Commercial fishers say the invasive predator is devouring squid, octopus and cuttlefish, while also damaging fishing nets and threatening livelihoods.

Although marine experts stress that the fish does not generally attack humans, authorities warn that its powerful teeth can cause serious injuries.

With a government bounty still pending, residents and fishers on Rhodes are launching their own efforts to curb the growing pufferfish population.