Taxonomy and Classification
- Scientific Name: Trachinus draco
- Family: Trachinidae
- Common Names: Greater weever, European weever
Distribution
- Geographical Range: The greater weever is found in the eastern North Atlantic, with a range extending from Norway and Iceland down to the Mediterranean Sea and along the coasts of North Africa.
- Habitat: They prefer shallow coastal waters, typically inhabiting sandy or muddy substrates at depths of 10 to 100 meters.
Physical Characteristics
- Size: They can grow up to 40 cm in length.
- Body Shape: The body is elongated and laterally compressed, with a pointed head.
- Coloration: The coloration varies but is generally a pale yellowish or brownish with darker spots that help with camouflage against the seabed.
- Venomous Spines: The first dorsal fin has venomous spines that can deliver painful stings, which serve as a defense mechanism against predators.
Diet and Feeding
- Diet: Greater weever are carnivorous, primarily feeding on small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates.
- Feeding Behavior: They are ambush predators, often burying themselves in the sand to surprise prey that swims by.
Reproduction
- Spawning: They typically spawn in warmer months, with eggs being released into the water column where they develop into larvae.
Ecological Role
- Predator and Prey: As both predator and prey, they play a significant role in the marine food web. They help control populations of smaller fish and invertebrates.
Human Interaction
- Fishing: While not a primary target for commercial fisheries, they are sometimes caught as bycatch. Their venomous spines can pose a risk to fishermen and beachgoers.
Venom Characteristics
- Location of Venom: The venom is produced in specialized glands located at the base of the venomous spines on the first dorsal fin. These spines are sharp and can easily penetrate skin.
- Venom Composition: The venom contains a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, and peptides. Key components include:
- Neurotoxins: These can affect nerve function and lead to pain and discomfort.
- Hemotoxins: These may damage blood vessels and tissues, contributing to swelling and inflammation.
- Enzymatic Components: These can break down cellular structures, leading to increased pain and tissue damage.
Effects on Humans
- Sting Mechanism: The venom is injected through the spines when a person steps on or handles the fish, which often occurs accidentally as the fish is camouflaged against the seabed.
- Immediate Symptoms:
- Intense Localized Pain: Pain is often described as sharp and burning, occurring almost immediately after the sting.
- Swelling and Redness: The area around the sting site typically becomes swollen and red due to the inflammatory response.
- Systemic Reactions: In some cases, individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, or even dizziness.
- Severe Reactions: Rarely, individuals may experience anaphylaxis or other severe allergic reactions, which require immediate medical attention.
First Aid and Treatment
The poison is thermolabile, which means that it is only destroyed by temperatures above 50°C. The stung area is immersed in hot water as long as the stung person can stand it or burned with a lighter, in short, the temperature reduces the effect of the poison. The strength of the poison does not depend on the size of the fish and does not subside by itself.
Seek Medical Attention: If symptoms persist or worsen, or if there are signs of an allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face), it’s crucial to seek medical help promptly.
Ecological Role of Venom
- Defense Mechanism: The venom serves primarily as a defense mechanism against predators, allowing the greater weever fish to deter potential threats effectively. It also plays a role in their predatory behavior, helping them secure prey.
Till next time …
… tight lines and wet landing nets!
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