Lesser Weever
Echiichthys vipera
FR Petite vive · ES Salvariego · PT Peixe-aranha-menor · IT Tracina vipera · DE Viperqueise
Also known as: WeeverTrachinus viperaSalvariegoPetite viveViperqueiseTracina viperaPeixe-aranha-menor
BenthicShoreBoat
Score
—
Prime time
Summer; warm shallow water
Depth
0–100m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jun–AugGood Sep
Depth range
0–100mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom Fishing / Ledgering75%
Preferred seabed
Sand
Findr bio
Sand-ambush menace with a sting in my dorsal fin — step or grab carelessly and I'll remind you why sandy shallows deserve a wary footstep.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Sandy beachShallow water
Recommended baits
Feather rigsWormsPrawnsFish baits
Diet
AmphipodsIsopodsSmall fishShrimp
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingSurfcasting
Gear
Best times
DayFlooding tide
I bury myself in sand with just my eyes and venomous dorsal spines poking through — most bathers meet me by accident, and regret it.
Field notes
Where to find them
NE Atlantic sandy surf and estuary shallows
Where they hang out
Very shallow sand, close to shore
Prime time
Summer; warm shallow water
Tide game
Moderate
What they're into
Ragworm, shrimp on light bottom rigs
Temperature vibe
Prefers warmer inshore water
Fave weather
Calm conditions best
Fun fact about me
Buried in the sand with only my spines showing — respect the barefoot warning.
Dinner material?
6/10Edible, nothing special
Play by the rules
Handle with care — venomous spines; check local rulesLocal/regional fisheries authority
Looking after them
Least Concern