The Greater Weever is a species in the order of the Perciformes and thus belongs to the superclass of bony fish. On its back fin, it has spines that are poisonous and cause painful wounds. In addition, redness, swelling, blistering and numbness may occur. These symptoms may persist for weeks.
Description
The body of Trachinus draco is laterally flattened and elongated with a greenish colouration. The green colouration consists of alternating light and dark stripes and is interrupted by a bright blue network of strips throughout the entire body. The fins also have a bright blue colour.
His protruding eyes are large and sit on top of the head. The mouth of Trachinus draco is also large and directed upwards. The lower jaw surpasses the upper jaw.
It has two back fins. The first, the shorter one, is stacked with poisonous spines.
The Greater Weever reaches a maximum size of 50cm in length.
Habitat and Distribution
The Greater Weever inhabits sandy ground, and is sometimes buried to the eyes. It has been found in depths of up to 150m.
When diving in the Canaries you can observe them quiet often in certain locations. However, they are a little shy and swim off if you do rapid movements or get to close.
Furthermore, Trachinus draco is spread around the coasts of the eastern Atlantic, the North Sea, Madeira, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.
Biology
Trachinus draco is a hunter. It remains motionless in the sand, until the right prey passes. Then they snap it really fast. Their favourite food consists of small fish, crustaceans and invertebrates.
The reproduction of the Greater Weever takes place from June to August. Their eggs are released into the open water and live pelagic until the end of the larval stage.