Biologist Dmitry Kutsyn, a senior researcher at the Ichthyology Department of the Federal Research Center of the South Seas Institute of Biology, described the recently spotted dangerous marine predator in the Black Sea as the Korean sea bass, a species already known in Crimea. This clarification was reported by RIA News, underscoring the need to accurately identify the creature before any public alarm is spread.
Authorities have announced a reward for capturing the predatory fish in Crimea, signaling the authorities’ intent to monitor its presence and manage potential ecological impacts. The gesture reflects the seriousness with which local agencies regard any new introduction into regional waters and the potential consequences for native species and fishing industries.
According to Kutsyn, the Korean sea bass is an established predator in Crimea dating back to 2013. He suggested that the species may have been introduced to the Black Sea via Far Eastern aquaculture facilities. While he affirmed that predators can be frightening in appearance or behavior, he added that the concern should be tempered by the fish’s feeding habits: these organisms are not inherently dangerous merely because they are voracious eaters, but their impact depends on ecological balance within the food web.
The scientist further explained that Korean sea bass can reach weights of 3 to 4 kilograms, a size that could influence local prey populations and ecosystem dynamics if their numbers increase unchecked. The size factor, together with their appetite, makes monitoring crucial for any long-term assessment of species interactions in the region.
Earlier, Alushta Aquarium offered a reward of five thousand rubles for information leading to the capture of a grouper, a noted predator in the Black Sea, highlighting ongoing concerns about marine predators and the need for public involvement in safeguarding coastal ecosystems.
Beyond this particular finding, marine zoologists have recently identified unusual cohabitants within ghost shrimp nests, a discovery that points to the complex and sometimes surprising interactions taking place in local marine habitats. Such observations remind researchers that predator–prey dynamics are part of a broader tapestry of species interrelations that can shift with changes in distribution, climate, and human activity.