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Kulbicki's triplefin (Springerichthys kulbickii) — Tripterygiidae

Kulbicki's triplefin

Springerichthys kulbickii

The Kulbicki's triplefin (Springerichthys kulbickii) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
2.0–15.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Niue and others

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Description

Kulbicki's triplefin is a triplefin (Tripterygiidae) from shallow reef and rocky water of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a slender, spindle-shaped body with the family's characteristic three separate dorsal fins and high-set eyes. As a day-active bottom-dweller it perches on coral, rock and weed and picks small crustaceans, algae and biofilm. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Kulbicki's triplefin?

The Kulbicki's triplefin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Kulbicki's triplefin live?

The Kulbicki's triplefin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Niue and others

How big does the Kulbicki's triplefin get?

The Kulbicki's triplefin grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Kulbicki's triplefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Kulbicki's 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

Kulbicki's triplefin (Springerichthys kulbickii) — Tripterygiidae — 2
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Kulbicki's triplefin (Springerichthys kulbickii) — Tripterygiidae — 3
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Kulbicki's triplefin (Springerichthys kulbickii) — Tripterygiidae — 4
Doug Hoese (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — AM
Kulbicki's triplefin (Springerichthys kulbickii) — Tripterygiidae — 5
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Kulbicki's triplefin sourced
Scientific name
Springerichthys kulbickii
Family
Tripterygiidae
Other names
Kulbicki's threefin; Kulbicki's triplefin; Japanese blacktail triplefin verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
2.0 verified
Max depth (m)
15.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Niue and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal sourced
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

More from the family Tripterygiidae

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