Depth
Trachinus · Bony Fish

Greater Weever

Trachinus draco

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Sandy / Muddy
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Trachinus
Species draco

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationElongated body that tapers to a pointed snout. Sandy-brown body with oblique darker markings. First dorsal fin is short, tall, and jet black. Venomous spines on the first dorsal fin and gill cover.
  • SizeUp to 53 cm total length, commonly 20 to 35 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary. Buries itself in sand with only the eyes and dorsal fin exposed, waiting for prey.
  • HabitatSandy bottoms from the shallows to moderate depths. Buries in clean sand.
  • Depth1 to 150 m, most common between 5 and 50 m.
  • Feeds OnSmall fish and crustaceans ambushed from its buried position in the sand.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from Norway to Morocco, including the entire Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionOne of the most venomous fish in European waters. Weever fish bury themselves in sandy bottoms with only their venomous dorsal fin protruding. A sting delivers intense, sharp pain that can last for hours. Divers should avoid placing hands or knees on sandy bottoms, and bathers should shuffle their feet in the shallows.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting sandy / muddy environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

Loading…

Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Sandy / Muddy habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Greater Weever species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Behaviour & Defence

Protected by sharp spines that deter predators. Handle with care -- spines can cause injury even after death.

Defensive

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Trachinus draco. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

3-18m
Comino

Blue Lagoon

Extensive sandy floor with excellent visibility. A prime habitat for benthic species that shelter in the sandy channels.

View dive site ›
5-22m
South Malta

Ghar Lapsi

Sheltered cove with sandy patches between rocky outcrops. The sandy areas at 8-15m are rich in benthic marine life.

View dive site ›
8-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Sandy channels flanking the reef system provide excellent habitat for bottom-dwelling species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide