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Project Noah Nature School
Trachinus draco
Locally known as 'Pauk' or spider, the greater weever is difficult fish to spot as it spends its days burrowed, with only eyes protruding (pics No 2 to 4). This is a small fish, about 15cm in length, with laterally flattened body, large head with mouth inclined backwards and eyes on top of the head. It is silvery grey, with brownish pattern on sides, and green-grey back. First fin rays of its dorsal fins are spiny, and blackish, and are connected to venomous glands.
Observed on about 9m of depth, in a rather clear sea-water, on a sandy parts of a larger rock-sand platform near the shores of Dubrovnik.
Greater weever is reputed to be the most venomous fish of Adriatic; the fishermen being the most common victims as they free the fish from the net. Its venom, seldom lethal, reportedly causes huge pain, that can last very long time - weeks and months... However, it is said that the venom is sensitive to heat; so the usual treatment is to soak the affected limb into hot water (40-42 °C).
Spotted on Jul 23, 2021
Submitted on Aug 1, 2021
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