The Minute triplefin (Enneapterygius minutus) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 3 cm.
Description
The minute triplefin is one of the smallest reef fishes of the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from American Samoa to the Ryukyu Islands and Australia. It grows to only about 3 cm and takes its name from the three separate dorsal fins characteristic of the triplefins. The body is greenish-yellow to reddish-yellow with numerous dark spots. It lives on shallow, surge-swept reef edges with brown and coralline algae, to about 5 metres depth, and feeds on small plankton. The hemispherical, adhesive eggs are anchored among algae. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Minute triplefin?
The Minute triplefin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.
Where does the Minute triplefin live?
The Minute triplefin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.
How big does the Minute triplefin get?
The Minute triplefin grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.
Is the Minute triplefin dangerous to humans?
No, the Minute triplefin is harmless to humans.
Is the Minute triplefin edible?
The Minute triplefin is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Enneapterygius
More from the family Tripterygiidae
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