Isidore of Seville [7th century CE] (Etymologies, Book 12, 6:31): The sparus takes its name from the throwing lance, because it has the same shape – for terrestrial things were discovered before marine ones. Sparus refers to a rustic throwing spear, so named for casting [spargere]. - [Barney, Lewis, et. al. translation]0

Thomas of Cantimpré [circa 1200-1272 CE] (Liber de natura rerum, Fish 7.82): The sparus took its name from the lance because it is of the same shape. The knowledge of terrestrial things was discovered before those of the sea, but this in naming only, not in creation. For the sparus is a rustic weapon that can be thrown, as is said from casting [spargendo]. This is the name of a fish and of a shape, as Isidore says. - [Badke translation/paraphrase]