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Roughhead triplefin (Enneanectes boehlkei) — Tripterygiidae

Roughhead triplefin

Enneanectes boehlkei
LC · Least Concern

The Roughhead triplefin (Enneanectes boehlkei) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The roughhead triplefin is a tiny bottom fish of the triplefin family (Tripterygiidae) from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to only about 4 cm and owes its family name to its three separate dorsal fins. The red-brown mottled body provides good camouflage among rocks and coral. It inhabits small patch reefs and rocky bottoms, where it props itself on the substrate with its pelvic fins. As a small bottom dweller it feeds on tiny invertebrates. The eggs are hemispherical and anchored to the substrate with numerous sticky threads. Owing to its small size the species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Roughhead triplefin?

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

Where does the Roughhead triplefin live?

The Roughhead triplefin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Roughhead triplefin get?

The Roughhead triplefin grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Roughhead triplefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Roughhead triplefin is harmless to humans.

Is the Roughhead triplefin edible?

The Roughhead triplefin is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Roodstip-drievinslijmvis sourced
English name
Roughhead triplefin verified
Scientific name
Enneanectes boehlkei
Family
Tripterygiidae
Other names
Roughhead Triplefin; Roughhead triplefin verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Three separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Enneanectes

More from the family Tripterygiidae

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