Cape Town - CapeNature together with conservation experts have confirmed toxic pufferfish and other tropical species including yellow-bellied sea snakes are washing-up along the coast, which can be harmful to pets and humans.
Earlier this week, social media was abuzz when a post was shared by Conserve Eden, warning the public to be aware of pufferfish and the yellow-bellied snakes.
They said when ingested, the pufferfish, also known as “blaasoppies”, could be fatal as it is highly toxic due to tetrodotoxin.
They shared that a puppy died recently after chewing one during a beach walk.
They added that yellow-bellied snakes were extremely venomous and their bites could be life-threatening.
CapeNature’s spokesperson, Luke Folb, said in his response to Cape Argus queries about the warning: "CapeNature can confirm there are puffer fish and other tropical species washing up all along the coast. These fish migrate down the east coast in warm water currents (Agulhas Current) and are then cut off by cold water, which forms part of the Benguela Current. Fish are cold blooded (like turtles) and specifically species adapted to warm water have a metabolism that depends on water temperature. The metabolism of the warm water adapted species effectively slows down to such an extent that they are immobilized and washed ashore. This is a natural process that is caused by changing currents and wind direction. The number of fish washed ashore may increase or decrease as weather/climate changes."
He said some of the pufferfish species are toxic.
"CapeNature advises all beachgoers to avoid these fish if they see them and to also keep pets away from the fish as they can be harmful to them.”
According to the City, the Garden Route including the Mossel Bay and East London municipalities, were hughly affected zones.
A media report by Plettenberg Bay News said the Garden Route coastline, particularly Plettenberg Bay, was warned to be alert.
They quoted Priyanka Naidoo of Eco Explorer, who echoed the dangers and fatal risks of pufferfish if ingested.
The Atlantic Seaboard Community Board said via their Facebook page that Mouille Point snake catcher, Tyrone Ping, who was the founder of the Reptiles of South Africa YouTube channel, had removed 27 snakes from houses and properties in their district.