Home · Tripterygiidae · Many-rayed threefin
Many-rayed threefin (Forsterygion varium) — Tripterygiidae

Many-rayed threefin

Forsterygion varium
NE · Not Evaluated

The Many-rayed threefin (Forsterygion varium) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–33.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The variable triplefin is a triplefin from the southwest Pacific, around New Zealand. The species grows to about 13 cm and has an elongate body with three separate dorsal fins and a variable, brown-green mottled colour that lets it blend in among rock and weed. As a bottom-dweller it often perches on rocks and in tidal pools and snaps at small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans and has no commercial value. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Many-rayed threefin?

The Many-rayed threefin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Many-rayed threefin live?

The Many-rayed threefin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Many-rayed threefin get?

The Many-rayed threefin grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Many-rayed threefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Many-rayed threefin is harmless to humans.

Is the Many-rayed threefin edible?

The Many-rayed threefin is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Veelstraal-drievinslijmvis verified
English name
Many-rayed threefin verified
Scientific name
Forsterygion varium
Family
Tripterygiidae
Other names
Striped triplefin; Variable threefin; Variable triplefin verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
33.0 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
levensduur_max_jaar
4.0 verified

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 Forsterygion

More from the family Tripterygiidae

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