Fin's Fish Guide
The Greater weaver (Trachinus draco) is a saltwater fish of the family Trachinidae that grows up to 53 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Norway to West Africa, with the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms.
Description
The greater weever is a slender bottom fish of the family Trachinidae reaching about 53 cm. The elongate body is yellow-brown with oblique blue-yellow stripes; striking are the eyes and the obliquely upturned mouth, both set on top of the flattened head. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean, from shallow water to several hundred metres. By day it buries itself in the sand with only the eyes and the black first dorsal fin showing; at night it hunts shrimps and small fish. The spines in the first dorsal fin and on the gill cover are strongly venomous and notorious among fishers and bathers, who can suffer painful stings from them. The flesh is nonetheless prized.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Greater weaver?
The Greater weaver has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Bottom fish with the eyes and the obliquely upward-pointing mouth on top of the head; carries venomous spines in the first dorsal fin and on the operculum.
Where does the Greater weaver live?
The Greater weaver lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Norway to West Africa, with the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms.
How big does the Greater weaver get?
The Greater weaver grows to a maximum of about 53 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Greater weaver dangerous to humans?
The Greater weaver is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The spines in the first dorsal fin and on the gill cover are strongly venomous and cause very painful wounds. Immerse the stung body part in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 40-45 °C) to break down the venom and seek medical help if symptoms are severe.
Is the Greater weaver edible?
Yes, the Greater weaver is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Greater weaver and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Trachinus
More from the family Trachinidae
Want the complete picture on the Greater weaver?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Greater weaver is one of 12,519 species in the app.