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Scarf triplefin (Helcogramma trigloides) — Tripterygiidae

Scarf triplefin

Helcogramma trigloides

The Scarf triplefin (Helcogramma trigloides) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–6.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Thailand, Andaman Is., Solomon Is., Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Japan and others

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Description

The scarf triplefin is a small triplefin (Tripterygiidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 5 cm and has an elongate body with three separate dorsal fins; courting males turn the head and forebody bright dark with a contrasting pale throat band, like a scarf. As a bottom-dweller it perches on rocks and coral rubble of shallow reefs and picks small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Scarf triplefin?

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

Where does the Scarf triplefin live?

The Scarf triplefin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Thailand, Andaman Is., Solomon Is., Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Japan and others

How big does the Scarf triplefin get?

The Scarf triplefin grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Scarf triplefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Scarf 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

Scarf triplefin (Helcogramma trigloides) — Tripterygiidae — 2
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Scarf triplefin (Helcogramma trigloides) — Tripterygiidae — 3
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Scarf triplefin (Helcogramma trigloides) — Tripterygiidae — 4
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Scarf triplefin sourced
Scientific name
Helcogramma trigloides
Family
Tripterygiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.5 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
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
6.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Thailand, Andaman Is., Solomon Is., Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Japan 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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