The oceans shelter a practically unquantifiable variety of biodiversity, about which we barely have an idea. Within the vast marine world we find fish, one of the representative groups of aquatic fauna. Many fish are completely harmless to humans, while others can cause significant damage and even be fatal. In this article on our site we want to present you with information about the spider fish (Trachinus draco), a peculiar fish that can be dangerous to people. Therefore, keep reading to discover the characteristics of the spider fish, its habitat and sting
What is a spider fish?
To better understand the characteristics of the spiderfish and its sting, let's first define it. The spider fish is a venomous marine animal, which belongs to the order Perciformes and the family Trachinidae, which are known as weevers, and to the genus Trachinus, where they are also found. some 7 more species are located Sometimes it is known as greater weever or scorpion fish.
Characteristics of spider fish
Among the characteristics of the spider fish we can mention the following:
- Varies in length: it commonly has a length of about 25 cm, however, it can reach a maximum dimension of around 50 cm.
- They have a maximum weight: in the order of 1.9 kg maximum.
- Weight and size vary by region: Spiderfish weight and size ranges vary from region to region, according to population.
- There is sexual dimorphism: females are slightly larger than males. Their bodies have an elongated shape and are laterally flattened.
- Eyes are up.
- The mouth is tilted up: also the lower jaw is longer than the upper one.
- The head is compact: flattened and somewhat large.
- They have spines with poisonous glands: both on the dorsal fin and on the gill covers.
- The coloration of the spider fish is greenish brown dorsally: with dark spots on the head. At an oblique level, and on each side, there are yellowish stripes, which can vary in tone, in certain cases it also has a bluish hue and black stripes. It is common for spiderfish to sometimes be described as having a brindle pattern.
- It usually feeds at night: when it ambushes other small fish or invertebrates from the burrow where it is buried.
- It is an oviparous species: it reproduces in spring and summer. We present other oviparous Animals: definition and examples, here.
- Its conservation status is of least concern: It is a fairly widespread animal within its distribution range.
You may want to know other Characteristics of the fish and the Types of fish that exist, on our site.
Where do spider fish live?
This species of fish has a wide distribution that occurs on the eastern coast of the Atlantic. In this way, it can be located from Morocco to Mauritania, the Canary Islands and Madeira. It also has a presence to the north of the Mediterranean, the Black Sea to Norway, and even the Danish Strait and in the B altic.
The habitat of the spider fish is in a range that goes from 0 to 200 meters deep, however, it is more common to be located between 20 and 50 meters. In the winter time, it usually migrates to deeper waters at about 100 or 150 meters.
It prefers sandy bottoms, with intermediate salinity levels and the presence of seagrasses dominated by the Posidonia aquatic plant species oceanica. The custom during the day of the spider fish is to stay buried in the sandy bottom, exposing only the eyes and venomous dorsal spines, so it goes unnoticed both for people, predators and their prey.
Spiderfish sting, is it deadly?
The spider fish consists of a venomous apparatus, formed by various spines that have dimensions between 5 and almost 30 millimetres, slightly curved towards the animal's tail. In turn, the spines connect to some poisonous glands, which are loaded with a quite toxic substance, made up of a polypeptide, which are compounds formed by short chains of amino acids, and which in this case is called dracotoxin.
Accidents with this fish usually happen because, as we have mentioned, it is common for it to be buried at the bottom of the sand at a shallow depth, so it is not seen by bathers and they step on it, burying its poisonous spines in the feet; Also, cases of poisoning are reported in case of fishermen who try to untangle spider fish, wrapped in fishing nets.
Spiderfish venom has hemolytic effects and causes severe pain in affected people, it can be potentially lethal in sensitive people and if they are not treated properly, since they can significant infections In this sense, more than the poison itself, are the consequences that could originate in the injured person and not attended correctly.
Discover the most dangerous animals in Spain in this post that we suggest.
What to do if you get stung by a spider fish?
Various treatments are usually suggested for people affected by a spider fish sting which, as mentioned, is very painful. However, medical attention is extremely important, since a specialist will be able to evaluate the conditions and indicate the systemic treatment for the case.
One of the recommendations suggested while taking the injured person to a he alth center is immerse the affected part in warm to hot water, as this can help relieve pain while being seen by a doctor.
It is important to keep in mind that when these types of accidents occur, the skin breaks, so you must be very careful and avoid applying substances that are very commonly suggested, because they can actually contribute to the development of an infection. In this sense, household-type substances should not be applied and much less animal preparations.
