What venomous fish group is commonly called weevers?

The venomous fish group commonly called weevers is Trachinidae.

Weevers, or weeverfish, are a family of ray-finned fishes containing nine extant species. They are mainly associated with the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, where they inhabit sandy coastal waters. During the day, many bury themselves in sand with only their eyes exposed, then ambush small fish and shrimp.

Their danger comes from venomous spines on the first dorsal fin and the gill covers. A sting can cause severe pain, swelling and other symptoms, which is why weevers are well known to beachgoers. They are not related to true viperfish, despite that occasional nickname.

The name is also frequently confused with “weaver fish,” but the terms are unrelated. “Weever” is believed to derive from Old French wivre, meaning serpent or dragon, ultimately linked to Latin vipera. In Australia, some unrelated sand perches are also called weevers, but the standard zoological family answer is Trachinidae.