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Redeye triplefin (Enneanectes pectoralis) — Tripterygiidae

Redeye triplefin

Enneanectes pectoralis

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

Length
3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The redeye triplefin is a tiny bottom fish of the triplefin family (Tripterygiidae) from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to only about 3 cm and has a stocky, red-brown mottled body with conspicuous red eyes, to which the name refers, and, characteristic of the family, three separate dorsal fins. It inhabits shallow rocky reefs and coral areas, where it lies in wait among stones and coral rubble. As a small bottom dweller it feeds on tiny crustaceans and other invertebrates. Owing to its camouflage and small size it is barely noticed and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Redeye triplefin?

The Redeye triplefin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Redeye triplefin live?

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

How big does the Redeye triplefin get?

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

Is the Redeye triplefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Redeye triplefin is harmless to humans.

Is the Redeye triplefin edible?

The Redeye triplefin is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Roodoog-drievinslijmvis sourced
English name
Redeye triplefin sourced
Scientific name
Enneanectes pectoralis
Family
Tripterygiidae

Appearance

Max length (cm)
3 sourced
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped 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
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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