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Threeline basslet (Lipogramma trilineata) — Grammatidae

Threeline basslet

Lipogramma trilineata
Family: Grammatidae
LC · Least Concern

The Threeline basslet (Lipogramma trilineata) is a saltwater fish of the family Grammatidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
5.0–95.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Western Atlantic; under overhangs and on deep reefs.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The threeline basslet is a basslet (Grammatidae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. The species is small and handsomely coloured, with a few lengthwise lines over head and body. It lives concealed beneath rock and coral overhangs and on deep reefs and outer reef walls, often swimming upside down against the ceiling of cavities. It feeds on small zooplankton and small invertebrates. Through its shy way of life it is rarely seen. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Threeline basslet?

The Threeline basslet has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Often swims upside down against the ceiling of cavities; secretive little fairy basslet of deep reefs.

Where does the Threeline basslet live?

The Threeline basslet lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic; under overhangs and on deep reefs.

How big does the Threeline basslet get?

The Threeline basslet grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Threeline basslet dangerous to humans?

No, the Threeline basslet is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Threeline basslet edible?

The Threeline basslet is not usually eaten.

More photos

Threeline basslet (Lipogramma trilineata) — Grammatidae — 2
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Threeline basslet (Lipogramma trilineata) — Grammatidae — 3
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Threeline basslet (Lipogramma trilineata) — Grammatidae — 4
Williams, Jeffrey T. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
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All data

Identification

English name
Threeline basslet verified
Scientific name
Lipogramma trilineata
Family
Grammatidae
Other names
Threeline basslet verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
5.0 verified
Max depth (m)
95.0 verified
Natural range
Western Atlantic; under overhangs and on deep reefs. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Often swims upside down against the ceiling of cavities; secretive little fairy basslet of deep reefs. 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 Lipogramma

More from the family Grammatidae

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