Fin's Fish Guide
The Lesser weever (Echiichthys vipera) is a saltwater fish of the family Trachinidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from the North Sea to West Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, on shallow sandy bottoms.
Description
The lesser weever is a small bottom fish of the family Trachinidae reaching about 28 cm but usually smaller. The yellow-brown body is elongate, with the eyes and the obliquely upturned mouth on top of the flattened head. The species lives on shallow sandy bottoms of the eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean and buries itself in the sand by day, with only the eyes and the jet-black first dorsal fin showing. From there it hunts shrimps, small crustaceans and small fish. The spines in the first dorsal fin and on the gill cover are strongly venomous; especially in summer bathers and shrimpers sometimes step on it, suffering a very painful wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lesser weever?
The Lesser weever has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Small bottom-dwelling fish with the eyes and mouth on top of the head; a short, jet-black first dorsal fin and the opercular spine are highly venomous.
Where does the Lesser weever live?
The Lesser weever lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from the North Sea to West Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, on shallow sandy bottoms.
How big does the Lesser weever get?
The Lesser weever grows to a maximum of about 28 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Lesser weever dangerous to humans?
The Lesser weever 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 a burning, very painful wound. Immerse the affected part as soon as possible in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 40-45 °C) and seek medical help if symptoms are severe.
Is the Lesser weever edible?
The Lesser weever is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Lesser weever and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Trachinidae
Want the complete picture on the Lesser weever?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lesser weever is one of 12,519 species in the app.