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Lizard triplefin (Crocodilichthys gracilis) — Tripterygiidae

Lizard triplefin

Crocodilichthys gracilis

The Lizard triplefin (Crocodilichthys gracilis) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–38.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The lizard triplefin is a triplefin (Tripterygiidae) from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, around the Galapagos. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, elongate, lizard-like body with a pointed head and three separate dorsal fins. As a bottom-dweller it perches on sand and rubble bottoms near rocky reefs and snaps at small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lizard triplefin?

The Lizard triplefin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Lizard triplefin live?

The Lizard triplefin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Lizard triplefin get?

The Lizard triplefin grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Lizard triplefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Lizard triplefin is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Hagedis-drievinslijmvis sourced
English name
Lizard triplefin sourced
Scientific name
Crocodilichthys gracilis
Family
Tripterygiidae
Other names
Lizard triplefin verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.4 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Dorsal fins
Three separate sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
38.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Tripterygiidae

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