One of a number of Lessepsian invaders – species which have found their way into the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal – the lagocephalus sceleratus belongs to the family of blowfish (tetraodontidae) which are characterised by carrying a deadly neurotoxin which can be fatal if their flesh is eaten. Known in Japan as fugu, certain types of blowfish are considered a delicacy there and chefs have to go through several years of rigorous training to learn how to remove the poisonous organs (chiefly the liver) so as to make the fish safe for human consumption. It is not clear whether the lagocephalus sceleratus comes into this category, but what is certain is that the fish should not be consumed under any normal circumstances.