One of the world’s most venomous fish has been caught in Croatia’s Adriatic

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One of the world’s most poisonous fish has been caught in the Adriatic, after a fisherman near Rijeka landed a pufferfish, a species better known for its place on Japanese menus than Croatian waters

The fish was caught by Rijekan fisherman Matija, who has just three years of fishing experience. Its discovery has attracted attention because pufferfish contains tetrodotoxin, one of the most powerful natural poisons known.

According to Dnevnik Nova TV, the toxin can be up to 1,250 times more powerful than cyanide. The fish is considered a delicacy in Japan, known as fugu, but preparing it requires specialist training because some parts contain dangerous concentrations of the toxin.

The liver, skin and ovaries are among the most dangerous parts of the fish, according to sushi chef Motohiko Mochizuki, who spoke to Dnevnik.

If improperly prepared, symptoms of poisoning can reportedly begin within around 10 minutes.

Despite its reputation, fugu is valued as a delicacy in Japan. Its flesh is white and lean, with an umami flavour, and 100 grams contains around 80 calories. A serving can cost more than €200.

The discovery has also generated curiosity among people in Rijeka, although opinions were divided over whether the fish should ever be eaten.

One local market seller told Dnevnik she had never previously encountered pufferfish being caught in the Adriatic and said she would not sell it.

For those curious to see the unusual species rather than eat it, there will soon be an opportunity to do so.

The fish is due to be displayed behind glass at the Natural History Museum in Rijeka from next week.

The arrival of pufferfish in the Adriatic is another example of the unusual marine species being encountered in Croatian waters, although the circumstances surrounding how this particular fish reached the area have not been established in the report.