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Thomas' triplefin (Norfolkia thomasi) — Tripterygiidae

Thomas' triplefin

Norfolkia thomasi

The Thomas' triplefin (Norfolkia thomasi) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–20.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Thomas' triplefin is a triplefin (Tripterygiidae) from shallow reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a slender, brown-speckled body with three separate dorsal fins and large pectoral fins. As a bottom-dweller it perches on coral, rocks and in crevices and snaps at small crustaceans and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Thomas' triplefin?

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

Where does the Thomas' triplefin live?

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

How big does the Thomas' triplefin get?

The Thomas' triplefin grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Thomas' triplefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Thomas' triplefin is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Thomas drievinslijmvis sourced
English name
Thomas' triplefin sourced
Scientific name
Norfolkia thomasi
Family
Tripterygiidae
Other names
Thomas' triplefin verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 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)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
20.0 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 Norfolkia

More from the family Tripterygiidae

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