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Lizard triplefin (Crocodilichthys gracilis) — Tripterygiidae

Lizard triplefin

Crocodilichthys gracilis

The Lizard triplefin (Crocodilichthys gracilis) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–38.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico

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Description

The lizard triplefin is a triplefin (Tripterygiidae) from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, around the Galapagos. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, elongate, lizard-like body with a pointed head and three separate dorsal fins. As a bottom-dweller it perches on sand and rubble bottoms near rocky reefs and snaps at small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lizard triplefin?

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

Where does the Lizard triplefin live?

The Lizard triplefin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Mexico

How big does the Lizard triplefin get?

The Lizard triplefin grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Lizard triplefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Lizard 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

Lizard triplefin (Crocodilichthys gracilis) — Tripterygiidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Biojaquez (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lizard triplefin (Crocodilichthys gracilis) — Tripterygiidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Kim Nesbitt, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Lizard triplefin (Crocodilichthys gracilis) — Tripterygiidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Neil DeMaster, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Lizard triplefin (Crocodilichthys gracilis) — Tripterygiidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Tom Turner, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Lizard triplefin sourced
Scientific name
Crocodilichthys gracilis
Family
Tripterygiidae
Other names
Lizard triplefin verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.4 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
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
38.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Mexico 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

More from the family Tripterygiidae

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