Trachinus · Bony Fish

Spotted Weever

Trachinus araneus

0-40m

Depth Range

Variable

Max Size

Mediterranean

Distribution

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

IdentificationRobust, elongated body similar to the greater weever but with scattered dark spots on the flanks. Sandy-brown body. First dorsal fin is short and dark with venomous spines. Venomous spine on each gill cover.
SizeUp to 45 cm total length, commonly 20 to 35 cm.
Social HabitSolitary. Buries in sand with eyes and dorsal fin exposed.
HabitatSandy bottoms from shallow coastal waters to the continental shelf.
Depth2 to 100 m, most common between 5 and 50 m.
Feeds OnSmall fish and crustaceans ambushed from beneath the sand.
DistributionEastern Atlantic from Portugal to West Africa, including the Mediterranean Sea.
DescriptionA venomous ambush predator closely related to the greater weever. Like its relative, it buries in sand with only its venomous dorsal fin protruding. The spotted pattern on the body distinguishes it. The sting is extremely painful and requires hot water immersion for relief. Divers should avoid placing hands or knees on sandy areas.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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

Detail

Preferred Environment

Reef & Open 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.

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

An ambush predator that buries itself in sand with only its eyes and dorsal spines exposed, striking at passing small fish and shrimp.

Ambush predator

Reproduction

Spawns pelagic eggs in spring and summer. Larvae develop in the water column before settling to sandy substrates.

Pelagic spawner

Behaviour & Defence

Possesses venomous spines on the first dorsal fin and gill covers. The sting is extremely painful and serves as an effective deterrent.

Venomous spines

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

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

5-30m

North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

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5-50m

Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

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18-36m

South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

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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