Greater Weever

Overview

The Greater Weever (Trachinus draco) is a venomous, bottom-dwelling marine fish known for its ability to bury itself in the substrate. It is widely distributed across the eastern Atlantic, from Norway to Morocco, and is also found throughout the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas.

Distribution & Habitat

This species typically inhabits sandy, muddy, or gravelly bottoms at depths ranging from a few meters down to 150 meters. While it is most commonly encountered in shallower waters, it is generally absent from rocky areas and dense seagrass beds.

Appearance

The Greater Weever has an elongated, laterally flattened body with a large, upward-inclined mouth and a prominent lower jaw. Its coloration is generally greenish-brown, often featuring yellowish-white oblique stripes and dark markings along the scales. A key diagnostic feature is the presence of two to three small spines located in front of each eye, as well as a distinct black anterior dorsal fin equipped with venomous spines.

Biology & Behavior

Primarily nocturnal, these fish spend much of their time resting on the seafloor, often partially buried with only their eyes and the tips of their first dorsal fins exposed. At night, they become more active and may swim freely, sometimes moving into the water column. They are oviparous, releasing pelagic eggs that drift in the open ocean during their larval stages. The species is notorious for its venomous spines on the dorsal fin and gill covers, which can cause painful injuries if handled improperly.