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Maldives triplefin (Helcogramma maldivensis) — Tripterygiidae

Maldives triplefin

Helcogramma maldivensis

The Maldives triplefin (Helcogramma maldivensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
2.8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–10.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Maldives triplefin is a small triplefin (Tripterygiidae) from the Indian Ocean, around the Maldives. The species grows to about 2.8 cm and has an elongate body with three separate dorsal fins. The brown-speckled body provides camouflage on the reef. As a bottom-dweller it perches on rocks and coral rubble of shallow reefs and picks small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Maldives triplefin?

The Maldives triplefin has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Maldives triplefin live?

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

How big does the Maldives triplefin get?

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

Is the Maldives triplefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Maldives triplefin is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Malediven-drievin sourced
English name
Maldives triplefin sourced
Scientific name
Helcogramma maldivensis
Family
Tripterygiidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
10.0 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

Same genus Helcogramma

More from the family Tripterygiidae

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