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Blackedge triplefin (Enneanectes atrorus) — Tripterygiidae

Blackedge triplefin

Enneanectes atrorus
LC · Least Concern

The Blackedge triplefin (Enneanectes atrorus) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3.3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–15.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The blackedge triplefin is a tiny bottom fish of the triplefin blenny family (Tripterygiidae) from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to only about 3 cm and has a red-brown mottled body with three separate dorsal fins, characteristic of the triplefins. It inhabits patch reefs surrounded by white sand bottoms, where it hides among coral and rock with its camouflage. As a small bottom dweller it feeds on tiny crustaceans and other invertebrates. Owing to its small size it is barely noticed and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackedge triplefin?

The Blackedge triplefin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Blackedge triplefin live?

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

How big does the Blackedge triplefin get?

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

Is the Blackedge triplefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackedge triplefin is harmless to humans.

Is the Blackedge triplefin edible?

The Blackedge triplefin is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwartrand-drievinslijmvis sourced
English name
Blackedge triplefin verified
Scientific name
Enneanectes atrorus
Family
Tripterygiidae
Other names
Blackedge Triplefin; Blackedge triplefin verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
15.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

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 Enneanectes

More from the family Tripterygiidae

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