The Spotted Weever, scientifically known as Trachinus araneus, is a venomous fish species commonly found in coastal waters of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. This fish is easily recognized by its distinctive spotted appearance, which serves as a warning to potential predators.
Description & Characteristics
The Trachinus araneus is a moderately sized fish, reaching a maximum length of 45.0 cm. Its body is elongated and compressed, with a large head and a blunt snout. The dorsal fin is composed of two distinct parts: a spiny anterior part and a soft posterior part. The first dorsal fin features venomous spines, which are used as a defense mechanism against predators. The Spotted Weever’s body is covered in brown or grey scales, interspersed with dark brown or black spots. These spots give the fish its characteristic speckled appearance.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Trachinus araneus is a demersal fish, meaning it lives on or near the seafloor. It can be found in a range of depths, from 1.0 to 100.0 meters. The Spotted Weever prefers sandy or muddy bottoms, often hiding amongst seaweed or rocks. It is commonly found in coastal waters, particularly in areas with moderate water currents. This fish is found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, from the Mediterranean Sea to Norway and Iceland. It is a prevalent species in the North Sea, the Celtic Sea, and the Bay of Biscay, inhabiting a variety of marine zones, including the neritic zone, which is the coastal area of the ocean.
Taxonomy
The Trachinus araneus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Trachinidae. The Teleostei is the largest order of fishes, encompassing more than 20,000 species. Perciformes, also known as the perch-like fishes, is an exceptionally diverse order, containing over 40% of all bony fish species. The Trachinidae, commonly referred to as the weever fishes, are a family of venomous fish primarily found in coastal waters.
Feeding
The Spotted Weever, Trachinus araneus, is an opportunistic carnivore, feeding on a variety of small marine animals. Its diet primarily consists of crustaceans, such as crabs, shrimps, and prawns, as well as small fishes. It lies buried in the sand, camouflaged, and uses its venomous spines for defense, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey as it passes by.
Image References