Lesser weever fish (Echiichthys vipera Cuvier, 1829) venom is cardiotoxic but not haemorrhagic

Despite comprising over half of the biodiversity living venomous vertebrates, fish venoms are comparatively understudied. Venom from lesser weever ( Echiichthys vipera syn. Trachinus ) has received only cursory attention despite containing one most potent venom toxins (trachinine). Literature records further complicated by early studies combining with that related greater draco ). The current study used a chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay to investigate bioactivity following application measured quantities crude major bilateral vein at 1 cm distance heart. had dose-dependent effect on survival rate and exhibited cardiotoxic properties day six development. Crude E. triggered tachycardia doses 37.58 44.88 μg/μL bradycardia 77.4 μg/μL. three highest (65.73, 151.24 μg/μL) caused significant mortality. These data also suggested intra-specific variation in potency. Unlike number other piscine venoms, was not haemorrhagic concentrations assayed. • Lesser assessed for properties. mortality assays. Heart were but both observed. did cause haemorrhagia