Lesser weever
(Echiichthys vipera)
General data
The lesser weever (Echiichthys vipera) is a venomous weever of the family Trachinidae. It is generally found on the sandy sea beds of the open sea, near the shore. Lesser weevers may sting swimmers badly if disturbed in the water, and fishermen when they clean their fishing nets.
The lesser weever grows up to 18 cm long, but generally less than 15 cm, with an elongated body.
Its color can be described as greyish-brown on the back and silvery-white on the sides. It has no spines in front of its eyes.
Lesser weever fish occur in the eastern Atlantic from the North Sea around the British Isles to Morocco and Madeira, and in the Mediterranean. It is typically found resting on the bottom, partially buried with its eyes and tip of the first dorsal fin exposed.
