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Similar triplefin (Enneapterygius similis) — Tripterygiidae

Similar triplefin

Enneapterygius similis

The Similar triplefin (Enneapterygius similis) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–13.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Similar triplefin is a triplefin (Tripterygiidae) from shallow reef and rocky water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a slender, spindle-shaped body with the family's characteristic three separate dorsal fins and high-set eyes; males colour up more brightly in the breeding season. As a day-active bottom-dweller it perches on coral, rock and weed and picks small crustaceans, algae and biofilm. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Similar triplefin?

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

Where does the Similar triplefin live?

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

How big does the Similar triplefin get?

The Similar triplefin grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Similar triplefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Similar triplefin is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gelijkende drievinslijmvis sourced
English name
Similar triplefin sourced
Scientific name
Enneapterygius similis
Family
Tripterygiidae
Other names
Black-and-Red triplefin; Black-and-Red Triplefin; Blacktail triplefin; Masked threefin verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.2 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
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
13.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal sourced
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

Same genus Enneapterygius

More from the family Tripterygiidae

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