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Multifid triplefin (Forsterygion gymnotum) — Tripterygiidae

Multifid triplefin

Forsterygion gymnotum
NativeIntroduced

The Multifid triplefin (Forsterygion gymnotum) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–7.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: New Zealand

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Description

The Multifid triplefin is a triplefin (Tripterygiidae) from coastal waters around New Zealand. The species grows to about 7 cm and has an elongate body with three separate dorsal fins. The brown-speckled body provides camouflage among rocks and sand. 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 Multifid triplefin?

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

Where does the Multifid triplefin live?

The Multifid triplefin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: New Zealand

How big does the Multifid triplefin get?

The Multifid triplefin grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Multifid triplefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Multifid 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

Multifid triplefin (Forsterygion gymnotum) — Tripterygiidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) John Barkla, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Multifid triplefin (Forsterygion gymnotum) — Tripterygiidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Kelvin Perrie, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Multifid triplefin (Forsterygion gymnotum) — Tripterygiidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Kelvin Perrie, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Multifid triplefin (Forsterygion gymnotum) — Tripterygiidae — 5
Luca Davenport-Thomas (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
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All data

Identification

English name
Multifid triplefin sourced
Scientific name
Forsterygion gymnotum
Family
Tripterygiidae
Other names
Robust triplrfin; Tasmanian robust triplefin; Multifid-tentacled robust triplefin verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.6 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)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
7.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: New Zealand 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 Forsterygion

More from the family Tripterygiidae

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