Poisonous lionfish capable of killing humans could be spreading through Mediterranean

The potentially fatal Lionfish has been spotted in the waters around Turkey and Cyprus

A red lionfish (Pterois volitans) swims in the aquarium of the Schonbrunn zoo (ALEXANDER KLEIN/AFP/Getty Images)

A poisonous fish which has a sting strong enough to kill a human is invading the Mediterranean, warn conservationists.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (UICN) has raised concerns after the lionfish was spotted in the waters around Turkey, Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean.

Native to the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, the potentially deadly fish has toxic barbs and an excruciating sting capable of killing people.

Although fatalities are rare, the stings can cause extreme pain, vomiting and respiratory paralysis.

The tropical fish, also known as the Devil Firefish, is a highly invasive and predatory species, and environmentalists fear its arrival could jeopardise other types of marine life.

It is thought the colourful fish’s presence may cause a knock-on effect on the delicate eco-systems.

After being spotted in the Med, Maria del Mar Otero, of the UICN, told AFP: "That shows that the fish is spreading, and that's a cause for concern.”

Despite being slow-moving and conspicuous, becasue even sharks avoid the fish they can roam in waters unchecked.

This can lead to the decimation of fish stocks which normally regulate algae, and attract new species due to the changes in flora and fauna.

Dr Carlos Jimenez, a marine biologist at the Cyprus Institute, said the species "could have a heavy negative impact on the ecosystems as well as on local economies".

The Lionfish was first recorded in Cuba in 2007, and within two years were commonplace in the waters.

After being introduced into the Caribbean it wreaked havoc on marine life, and The Association of Caribbean States organised a summit to discuss how to combat its encroachment.

Cuba, Columbia and the Bahamas now encourage locals to eat the fish, which is considered a delicacy in Japan, in a bid to keep their numbers low.

Cuba recently introduced an annual fishing tournament specifically targeting the species.