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Redeye triplefin (Enneanectes pectoralis) — Tripterygiidae

Redeye triplefin

Enneanectes pectoralis
Family: Tripterygiidae

The Redeye triplefin (Enneanectes pectoralis) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Western Atlantic and Caribbean; shallow rocky reefs and coral areas.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The redeye triplefin is a tiny bottom fish of the triplefin family (Tripterygiidae) from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to only about 3 cm and has a stocky, red-brown mottled body with conspicuous red eyes, to which the name refers, and, characteristic of the family, three separate dorsal fins. It inhabits shallow rocky reefs and coral areas, where it lies in wait among stones and coral rubble. As a small bottom dweller it feeds on tiny crustaceans and other invertebrates. Owing to its camouflage and small size it is barely noticed and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Redeye triplefin?

The Redeye triplefin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a marbled pattern. Strikingly red eyes and three separate dorsal fins; tiny, camouflaged reef-bottom fish.

Where does the Redeye triplefin live?

The Redeye triplefin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; shallow rocky reefs and coral areas.

How big does the Redeye triplefin get?

The Redeye triplefin grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Redeye triplefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Redeye triplefin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Redeye triplefin edible?

The Redeye triplefin is not usually eaten.

More photos

Redeye triplefin (Enneanectes pectoralis) — Tripterygiidae — 2
Baldwin, Carole C. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Redeye triplefin (Enneanectes pectoralis) — Tripterygiidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) terence zahner, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Redeye triplefin (Enneanectes pectoralis) — Tripterygiidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) terence zahner, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Redeye triplefin sourced
Scientific name
Enneanectes pectoralis
Family
Tripterygiidae
Other names
Redbelly triplefin; Redeye blenny

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
3 sourced
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Three separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Western Atlantic and Caribbean; shallow rocky reefs and coral areas. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Tiny crustaceans and invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Strikingly red eyes and three separate dorsal fins; tiny, camouflaged reef-bottom fish. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Enneanectes

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 Redbelly triplefin (Enneanectes jordani) — Tripterygiidae
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Fin

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