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Cape triplefin (Cremnochorites capensis) — Tripterygiidae

Cape triplefin

Cremnochorites capensis

The Cape triplefin (Cremnochorites capensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
5.0–30.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: South Africa

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Description

The Cape triplefin is a triplefin (Tripterygiidae) from coastal waters of southern Africa. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate, brown-speckled body with three separate dorsal fins. As a bottom-dweller it perches on rocks and in tide pools of rocky shores and picks small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cape triplefin?

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

Where does the Cape triplefin live?

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

How big does the Cape triplefin get?

The Cape triplefin grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Cape triplefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Cape triplefin is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Cape triplefin (Cremnochorites capensis) — Tripterygiidae — 2
P.C. Heemstra (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Cape triplefin (Cremnochorites capensis) — Tripterygiidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Georgina Jones, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA))
Cape triplefin (Cremnochorites capensis) — Tripterygiidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Georgina Jones, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA))
Cape triplefin (Cremnochorites capensis) — Tripterygiidae — 5
P.C. Heemstra (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — SAIAB
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Cape triplefin sourced
Scientific name
Cremnochorites capensis
Family
Tripterygiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 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
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
5.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: South Africa sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Tripterygiidae

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