Volume 27, Plate XIII / Ichthyology (Fish)

Mailed Peristedion

Peristedion cataphractum

A powerfully defended fish somewhat resembling the sturgeons yet belonging to the gurnards, inhabiting the Mediterranean and frequenting rocky coasts, where it swims with great velocity. It is strongly armed with spines upon its head and cheeks and with two forward prolongations of the snout, sometimes broken by the force with which they are used, its armour perhaps a defence against rough shores during storms.