Weever

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iWeevers

Lesser weever, Echiichthys vipera

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Trachinidae

Genera

Trachinus
Echiichtys
See text for species.

Weevers or weaverfish are eight species of fish of family Trachinidae, order Perciformes. They are long (up to 37 cm), mainly brown and have poisonous spines on their first dorsal fin and gills. During the day, weevers bury themselves in sand, just showing their eyes, and snatch prey as it comes past, which consists of shrimps and small fish.

This fish is used in the recipe of the bouillabaisse.

[edit] Species

There are nine species in two genera:

Genus Echiichthys
- Lesser weever, Echiichthys vipera (Cuvier, 1829).
Genus Trachinus
- Spotted weever, Trachinus araneus Cuvier, 1829.
- Guinean weever, Trachinus armatus Bleeker, 1861.
- Sailfin weever, Trachinus collignoni Roux, 1957.
- Trachinus cornutus Guichenot, 1848.
- Greater weever, Trachinus draco Linnaeus, 1758.
- Striped weever, Trachinus lineolatus Fischer, 1885.
- Cape Verde weever, Trachinus pellegrini Cadenat, 1937.
- Starry weever, Trachinus radiatus Cuvier, 1829.

[edit] Interaction with humans

Most human stings are inflicted by the lesser weever which habitually remains buried in sandy areas of shallow water and is thus more likely to come into contact with bathers than other species (such as the greater weever which prefer deeper water). The lesser weever can be found from the southern North Sea to the Mediterranean and is common around the south coast of the United Kingdom. The high number of bathers found on popular tourist beaches mean that stings are common although individual chances of being stung are low.

Weever stings have been known to penetrate wet suit boots even through a rubber sole (if thin) and it is recommended that bathers and surfers wear sandals or wetsuit boots with a relatively hard sole and avoid sitting or "rolling" in the shallows.

If concerned then seek medical advice but, although extremely unpleasant, weever stings are not generally considered dangerous and the pain will ease considerably within a few hours (complete recovery may take a week or more). First Aid treatment consists of immersing the affected area in hot water (as hot as the victim can bear) which will accelerate de-naturation of the venom. Once the pain has eased the injury should be checked for the remains of any broken spines which need to be removed.