Occurrence of silver-cheeked toadfish Lagocephalus sceleratus (Tetraodontiformes: Tetraodontidae) and tetrodotoxins in the Mediterranean Sea: Implications for the Italian Fishing Sector?

Tetrodotoxins (TTX) are chemical compounds produced by marine microorganisms. TTX and its analogues (TTXs) have been identified in a range of marine organisms, including bivalve mollusks and fishes, and its presence has been associated with several alien species, some of which are invasive. This review aims to provide an overview of TTXs in the Mediterranean ecosystems and investigate the occurrence of the silver-cheeked toadfish Lagocephalus sceleratus, which has significantly contributed to the increase of extremely potent neurotoxins in the Mediterranean. TTXs has raised growing concerns for consumer safety and the sustainability of the seafood industry, with governments taking preventive and control measures to ensure the safety of fish and seafood products. In the following, through an up-to-date review of published data, the main aspects of the presence of TTXs in the Mediterranean Sea will be discussed.