Greater Weever
Trachinus draco
The greater weever is a venomous coastal fish of the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, often buried in sand with only eyes and dorsal spines exposed. It is not a major angling target, but can be caught accidentally by shore anglers and is best handled with extreme care.
识别要点
- Elongated, laterally compressed body with a pointed head
- Two separated dorsal fins with a tall venomous first dorsal fin
- Pale sandy coloration with a dark blotch on the gill cover and eyes set high on the head
栖息地
Shallow sandy seabeds, surf zones, estuaries, and nearshore coastal flats from the intertidal edge to about 100 m, usually resting half-buried in sand or mud.
饵料备注
Not a preferred sport fish; it will take small fish strips, sand worms, ragworms, and shrimp baits meant for other shore species. Small bottom rigs baited close to the seabed can hook it incidentally.
行为
An ambush predator that waits motionless in substrate and strikes small fish, crustaceans, and worms. It is most active in warm shallows and can inflict painful venomous spine punctures when stepped on or handled.
注意事项
Highly venomous dorsal and opercular spines cause severe pain and swelling; avoid handling, and treat punctures promptly with hot-water immersion and medical care if symptoms are severe. Also watch for protected local regulations and note that it is not a table-fish target in many areas.
钓法备注
Fish light surf or bottom rigs over clean sand, keeping baits near the bottom where it lies buried. Use caution when unhooking; many anglers prefer to cut the line rather than handle the fish.