Researchers from the Vigo Oceanographic Center have confirmed the presence of two species of toxic pufferfish in the Galician Atlantic. These are a green pufferfish, identified in 2021, and a land pufferfish, detected in 2025. These findings, verified with morphological and DNA analyses, are an indicator of the tropicalization process occurring in these waters.
Genomics and photogrammetry in the identification of invasive species 🧬
The confirmation of these species was based on molecular biology techniques and morphometry. DNA sequencing allowed comparison of the samples with global genetic databases for precise taxonomic identification. In parallel, high-resolution digital photogrammetry was used to document and measure key morphological traits, such as dentition and spination, creating 3D reference models for future studies.
The northern sushi gets an exotic (and poisonous) update 🍣
With these new tenants, fishing in Galicia takes on an air of gastronomic Russian roulette. It's no longer enough to distinguish a turbot from a monkfish. Now the challenge is to identify, among the catch, the little fish that could turn the empanada into a neurotoxic experience. A way to add excitement to market cuisine, without a doubt. Whoever orders fish of the day might get more than expected.