Fin's Fish Guide
The Starry weever (Trachinus radiatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Trachinidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Gibraltar to the Gulf of Guinea and the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The starry weever is a bottom fish of the family Trachinidae reaching about 50 cm. Its eyes and mouth point upward, so the fish can lie half-buried in sand or mud and watch for prey. The body is brownish with dark spots. The first dorsal fin and the gill covers bear venomous spines that deliver a very painful sting; for beach-goers and fishers this is the main hazard. The species lives in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, usually between 30 and 60 m, hunting small fish and invertebrates. Its eggs and larvae are pelagic.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Starry weever?
The Starry weever has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Bottom fish with upward-pointing eyes and mouth; lies buried with only the venomous first dorsal fin spines and opercular spines visible.
Where does the Starry weever live?
The Starry weever lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Gibraltar to the Gulf of Guinea and the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Starry weever get?
The Starry weever grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Starry weever dangerous to humans?
The Starry weever is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The spines of the first dorsal fin and gill covers are venomous and cause a very painful sting. Immerse the wound in hot water (~45 °C) for 30-90 minutes; seek medical help for persistent pain, swelling or general symptoms.
Is the Starry weever edible?
The Starry weever is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Starry weever and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Starry weever?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Starry weever is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Trachinus
More from the family Trachinidae
Want the complete picture on the Starry weever?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Starry weever is one of 12,519 species in the app.