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Rhinoceros triplefin (Helcogramma rhinoceros) — Tripterygiidae

Rhinoceros triplefin

Helcogramma rhinoceros

The Rhinoceros triplefin (Helcogramma rhinoceros) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–6.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Solomon Is., Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and others

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Description

The rhinoceros triplefin is a small triplefin (Tripterygiidae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a stocky body with three separate dorsal fins and, in males, a conspicuous horn-like projection on the snout, to which it owes its name. As a bottom-dweller it lives on shallow coral and rocky reefs and snaps at small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rhinoceros triplefin?

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

Where does the Rhinoceros triplefin live?

The Rhinoceros triplefin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Solomon Is., Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and others

How big does the Rhinoceros triplefin get?

The Rhinoceros triplefin grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Rhinoceros triplefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Rhinoceros 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

Rhinoceros triplefin (Helcogramma rhinoceros) — Tripterygiidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Chiang, M. C.; Chen, I. S. (CC BY 3.0)
Rhinoceros triplefin (Helcogramma rhinoceros) — Tripterygiidae — 3
Raredon, Sandra J. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Rhinoceros triplefin sourced
Scientific name
Helcogramma rhinoceros
Family
Tripterygiidae
Other names
Rhinoceros triplefin; Rhinocerus triplefin; Rhino threefin verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.0 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
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
6.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Solomon Is., Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
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 Helcogramma

More from the family Tripterygiidae

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