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Banded triplefin (Forsterygion malcolmi) — Tripterygiidae

Banded triplefin

Forsterygion malcolmi

The Banded triplefin (Forsterygion malcolmi) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
2.0–35.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Banded triplefin is a triplefin (Tripterygiidae) from coastal waters around New Zealand. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate body with three separate dorsal fins. The body bears a few dark crossbands. As a bottom-dweller it perches on rocks, weed and sand of shallow coastal water and picks small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Banded triplefin?

The Banded triplefin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Banded triplefin live?

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

How big does the Banded triplefin get?

The Banded triplefin grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Banded triplefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Banded triplefin is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gebande drievin sourced
English name
Banded triplefin sourced
Scientific name
Forsterygion malcolmi
Family
Tripterygiidae
Other names
Mottled triplefin verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.2 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped 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)
2.0 verified
Max depth (m)
35.0 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 Forsterygion

More from the family Tripterygiidae

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