Beneath the azure waves of Malta and Gozo, the Starry Weever (Trachinus radiatus) inhabits the subtropical marine environment. This intriguing fish, known for its unique features and behaviors, adds to the diverse underwater ecosystem of the Maltese Islands dive sites.
The genus name Trachinus, bestowed by Linnaeus, stems from the Medieval Latin trachina and Ancient Greek trachýs meaning ‘rough.’ The Starry Weever belongs to the family Trachinidae, order Trachiniformes, class Actinopterygii, phylum Chordata, and kingdom Animalia. Despite its occasional nickname ‘viperfish,’ it shares no kinship with the true viperfish of the genus Chauliodus.
The Starry Weever reaches up to 37 centimeters in length with an elongated, laterally compressed body. It has a large head, wide upward-facing mouth, and eyes perched at the pinnacle, adding intrigue to its appearance. The first of its two dorsal fins features six venomous spiny rays, while the second dorsal fin extends gracefully with soft rays. Its skin displays a chromatic range from yellowish-brown to light greyish-brown, adorned with numerous dark spots.
Found in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, the Starry Weever inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms, typically burying itself during the day with only its eyes exposed. This ambush predator preys on shrimp and small fish. Uniquely, the Starry Weever lacks a swim bladder, causing it to sink when not in motion.
An interesting fact about the Starry Weever is its ability to deliver a venomous sting not only from its dorsal fin but also from its gill covers. This dual defense mechanism is quite rare among fish and provides an added layer of protection against predators. The venom, while painful, is generally not life-threatening to humans and typically subsides within a few hours.
Diving in Malta offers a chance to encounter the enigmatic Starry Weever. While its venomous spines can cause painful stings, these encounters are generally not perilous. Divers are advised to handle with care, avoiding direct contact. A remarkable photograph by Brian Azzopardi, taken at a depth of 10 meters in Mġarr Ix-Xini on Gozo’s south coast, showcases the Starry Weever in its natural habitat. This captivating fish, both beautiful and formidable, invites divers to explore the rich marine diversity of Malta’s underwater world.
