A poisonous species that has invaded the Mediterranean could soon be making its way to Malta if it follows the path taken by alien species swimming through the Suez Canal in the past.

A report published in the Marine Biodiversity Records journal recently provided evidence from divers and fishermen which showed that the lionfish – a poisonous and voracious species which originates from the Indian and Pacific Oceans – had colonised part of the Cyprus coast.

The researches claim the fish swam through the Suez Canal, which was expanded last year.

They also claimed the lionfish seems to have become established in Cyprus and if the fish were to move in the same way as other species in the past, biologist Alan
Deidun says the species could soon be making its way to Malta.

“The studies show that the fish is moving West towards Greece and so it could reach us if it follows the pathways that such species have been known to follow,” Prof. Deidun said.

The lionfish can grow up to some 40cm and it deters predators using its poisonous spines. It releases eggs every four days all year round, producing some two million eggs a year.

According to the biologist, if the fish did arrive here, it could have a devastating impact on the Dusky Grouper (Ċerna) as the two species would be competing for food.

“The lionfish is very voracious. It feeds on a lot of fish and the impact of having this in our waters would definitely be felt,” he said.

The species could also pose a danger to swimmers as its sting could cause excruciating pain and paralysis, cardiac arrests and sometimes even death.

On how such an invasion would be controlled, Prof. Deidun said that it would need to be actively fished, as is common practice in the Caribbean, where it has established itself in large numbers.

In recent years, there was a spike in the number of invasive creatures making their way to Malta, a cause of concern for biologists who said the colonisation of alien species was a threat to indigenous marine life, as it could modify their habitat, introduce new parasites and the new species could compete with the native species for resources.