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Hawaiian blackhead triplefin (Enneapterygius atriceps) — Tripterygiidae

Hawaiian blackhead triplefin

Enneapterygius atriceps

The Hawaiian blackhead triplefin (Enneapterygius atriceps) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
2.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–23.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Midway Is., Hawaii

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Description

The Hawaiian blackhead triplefin is a small triplefin (Tripterygiidae) from the central Pacific, around Hawaii. The species grows to about 3 cm and has an elongate body with three separate dorsal fins; courting males often colour the head dark. As a bottom-dweller it perches on rocks and coral rubble of shallow reefs and picks small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Hawaiian blackhead triplefin?

The Hawaiian blackhead triplefin has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Hawaiian blackhead triplefin live?

The Hawaiian blackhead triplefin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Midway Is., Hawaii

How big does the Hawaiian blackhead triplefin get?

The Hawaiian blackhead triplefin grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Hawaiian blackhead triplefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Hawaiian blackhead 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

Hawaiian blackhead triplefin (Enneapterygius atriceps) — Tripterygiidae — 2
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Hawaiian blackhead triplefin (Enneapterygius atriceps) — Tripterygiidae — 3
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Hawaiian blackhead triplefin (Enneapterygius atriceps) — Tripterygiidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Hawaiian blackhead triplefin (Enneapterygius atriceps) — Tripterygiidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Sara Thiebaud, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Hawaiian blackhead triplefin sourced
Scientific name
Enneapterygius atriceps
Family
Tripterygiidae
Other names
Hawaiian triplefin verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
2.6 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Dorsal fins
Three separate sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
23.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Midway Is., Hawaii 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

Same genus Enneapterygius

More from the family Tripterygiidae

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