According to the Times of Malta, the warmer than usual temperatures of the Maltese seas have caused a population explosion of the alien ‘rabbitfish’ species in local waters.

The fish has been named ‘qawsalla’ due to its tendency to appear to change colour, but another of its distinctive features are its venomous spines, giving it the alternative name of ‘dusky spinefoot’.

The warmer seas, particularly over the past two years, have caused this fish to make a home of local waters, which were previously too cold during the winter months for the fish to maintain them as a permanent habitat.

The higher sea temperatures attract species from the Eastern Mediterranean to the West and North, just like the rabbitfish which hails from the Red Sea, with more predicted to come our way.

Locals are being encouraged, through the campaign 'Spot the Alien Fish', to help control the population growth of such alien species by catching and cooking such fish when spotted. Just remember to remove the venomous spines!

Have you spotted any rabbitfish yet?