Volume 37, Plate II / Ichthyology (Fish)

Ruff or Pope & Great Weaver, or Sting-Bull

Acerina vulgaris & Trachinus draco

1. The Ruff or Pope. The only British representative of its genus, this river fish closely resembles the common Perch but carries a single dorsal fin, spinous in front and flexible behind. More slender, seldom exceeding six or seven inches, it is light olive brown above passing to yellowish flanks and white belly, with a prominent lateral line; voracious and fearless of the bait, it spawns in April among roots and rushes and yields excellent flesh.
2. The Great Weaver, or Sting-Bull. Usually twelve to fifteen inches and sometimes seventeen, this fish is reddish brown above with interrupted black and yellow lines following the oblique scale rows, white below, the first dorsal web deep black, and it spawns in summer. Much dreaded for its sharp spines, wrongly held venomous, it has wounded men with effects felt to the shoulder, oil being a fitter remedy than the fishermen’s sea-sand.