Weevers (Trachinus draco, Trachinus vipera)
Occurrence/distribution:Along the Atlantic coast (from Senegal to Norway, Great Britain), in the North Sea and Baltic Sea, in the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea.
Especially during spawning season (spring, summer), Petrels seek shallow waters. They burrow into sand and mud so that only the eyes are visible.
Typical characteristics:
The coloration is often adapted to the substrate, the body is elongated (up to a maximum of 50 cm) and flattened at the sides. The eyes and mouth are directed upwards. The gill covers each have a downward-pointing spine. The front dorsal fin is short and has five to eight bony rays. The rear dorsal fin is elongated.
Venomous organs:
Packets of glands on the spine of the gill cover or on the bony rays of the anterior dorsal fin.
Toxic by:
Heat-sensitive proteins as carriers of toxicity, also vasoactive substances.
Critical dose:
Weevers are among the most dangerous European venomous animals. Any contact with the venomous organs should be avoided because even the smallest amounts of the venom can cause serious symptoms.
Symptoms:
The venom of the weevers contains components that can cause the most severe pain and local tissue reactions. The pain starts immediately and spreads to adjacent areas of the body. In most cases, severe tissue swelling develops, and fluid-filled blisters may form. After 24 hours, the wound often appears numb and without feeling. General symptoms such as nausea, circulatory collapse, cardiac arrhythmias, decreased performance, or temperature elevation are rare.
First aid:
Clean wound of spines or tissue debris and disinfect. If medical help cannot be obtained immediately, immerse the affected extremity in tolerably hot water (approx. 45 °C). To avoid burns, control water temperature by healthy extremity or accompanying person.
Further therapy of symptoms and tetanus prophylaxis by physician.
Precautions:
In areas at risk, use caution when swimming or wading in shallow water (wear bathing/beach shoes).
Anglers should wear gloves to remove wriggling weevers from the fishing line or net.
Divers are advised to keep their distance, as startled meerkats may suddenly attack. Since meerkats are highly prized as edible fish, care should be taken when buying or eating them to ensure that all thorns and spines have been removed.
Information center against poisoning Bonn
https://gizbonn.de/giftzentrale-bonn/tiere/fische/petermaennchen
