144 



RADIATED WEAVER. 



TracUnus radiatus, C av. & VAL. 



PLATE XVII. 



A NATIVE of the Mediterranean, and found on the 

 coast of Naples, and also on the southern shores of 

 France ; it has never, however, heen found on 

 the British coasts, though it is possible it may have 

 yet been overlooked. The first dorsal fin is a for- 

 midable weapon, apparently possessing some dele- 

 terious quality communicated by the wound, inde- 

 pendent of the mere prick, and acting differently 

 on different constitutions. This fin is almost 

 always carried flat, or level with the back; but 

 on alarm, or on being trampled on, for they bur- 

 row in the sand, it is suddenly raised, and, from 

 the great muscular power which accompanies the 

 action, often inflicts a severe puncture, which, in 

 some individuals, in a few minutes after, causes 

 a severe burning pain, with inflammation of the 

 part around. In several of the continental markets, 

 a penalty is exigible if this fish be brought for 

 sale without these fins being removed. The spines 

 on almost all the species of sticklebacks (Gasteros- 

 teus), perform the same office of defence, and can be 

 erected at pleasure. Several of the spines are only 



