The Spotted Weever (Trachinus araneus) is a venomous marine fish found primarily in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, recognized for its elongated body, sharp dorsal spines, and distinctive dark spots along its sides. While not a major commercial species due to its venomous spines and relatively modest size, the Spotted Weever is still harvested as bycatch and occasionally targeted by artisanal and small-scale fisheries. The top countries involved in Spotted Weever fishing include Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, where the species is sometimes sold in local markets and forms part of traditional Mediterranean cuisine. In these regions, the fishing industry typically employs trawling, gillnets, and small-scale coastal fishing methods. Although the Spotted Weever is not a primary target, its presence in mixed-species catches makes it a notable component of the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic coastal fisheries.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 30 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.