Volume 27, Plate XVII / Ichthyology (Fish)

Radiated Weaver

Trachinus radiatus

A native of the Mediterranean found off Naples and the southern shores of France, though never on the British coasts, possessing a formidable first dorsal fin that seems to carry some deleterious quality beyond the mere prick. Usually carried flat, the fin is suddenly raised on alarm or when trampled, for the fish burrows in sand, inflicting a severe puncture that causes burning pain and inflammation, so that markets penalise its sale unless the fins are removed.