OVERVIEW

The venom apparatus of the Weeverfish was found to consist of two components: The venom gland component (glandular cells and other accessory structures) and the hard component consisting of the Opercular spine, all of which is encased in a membrane sheath.

This sheath protects these structures from environmental substances and acts as an integral part of the entire venom delivery system.

A photograph of the Opercular spine and accessory structures of T.vipera. The photo shows the membrane which surrounds the spine and associated structures. The venom glands can also be seen (arrowed), One attached to the base of the spine and the other attached to the top of the spine. Mag x6

The amount of the accessory structures can be seen when compared to the photo of the Opercular spine below.

A photograph of the Opercular spine of T.vipera that has had all the accessory structures removed. Mag x12

Where is the Opercular Spine?

A photograph of the head region of the Lesser weever ( T.vipera ) showing the Opercular spine (arrowed). This particular specimen was 12.6 cm long with an Opercular spine length of 1.1cm. By comparing the photo above with diagram below the various areas can be identified, Although the first dorsal fin is laid flat in the photo as the weever is a rest and not alarmed.

A full copy of the Dissertation that this site is based on is held at:

Marine Science Laboratories

Menai Bridge

Anglesey

Gwynedd

Wales

The full title is:

THE VENOM APPARATUS OF THE WEEVER FISH (TRACHINUS VIPERA)

by

Darren Barton

For maps click on one of the maps below:

   

                                                            Close up                           Long distance

The program used to generate the maps was: Auto route GB 2001 (Microsoft)