Trachinus radiatus Cuvier, 1829

Scientific Name and Body Shape

The starry weever, Trachinus radiatus Cuvier, 1829, has a body that is moderately compressed from side to side. It has small eyes, a short, blunt snout, and a strong venomous spine on its operculum.

Head Bony Ridges

Just behind the eyes, on the top of the head, there are five fan-shaped clusters of bony ridges.

Dorsal Fin Structure

Its dorsal fin is split into two sections: the anterior section has six or seven spines, while the spineless posterior section has 24 to 29 soft rays.

Anal Fin Structure

The anal fin has two spines and 25 to 29 soft rays.

Size

This species can reach a maximum total length of around 50 cm (20 in), though most individuals grow to 25 cm (10 in) on average.

Base Body Coloration

Its dorsal body colour is typically whitish, yellowish, or grey, and the head and neck sometimes have subtle violet or pinkish tints.

Body Speckle Pattern

Numerous brownish or blackish speckles cover the back and sides; some of these speckles, especially those on the flanks near the lateral line, form ring shapes.