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Yellowblack triplefin (Forsterygion flavonigrum) — Tripterygiidae

Yellowblack triplefin

Forsterygion flavonigrum

The Yellowblack triplefin (Forsterygion flavonigrum) is a saltwater fish of the family Tripterygiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
4.0–110.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: New Zealand

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Description

The yellowblack triplefin is a triplefin (Tripterygiidae) from coastal waters around New Zealand. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a slender body with a yellow-and-black mottled pattern, three separate dorsal fins and large pectoral fins. As a bottom-dweller it perches on rocks, reefs and in tide pools and snaps at small crustaceans and other invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Yellowblack triplefin?

The Yellowblack triplefin has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Yellowblack triplefin live?

The Yellowblack triplefin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: New Zealand

How big does the Yellowblack triplefin get?

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

Is the Yellowblack triplefin dangerous to humans?

No, the Yellowblack 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

Yellowblack triplefin (Forsterygion flavonigrum) — Tripterygiidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Debra Baker, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Yellowblack triplefin (Forsterygion flavonigrum) — Tripterygiidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) lcolmer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Yellowblack triplefin (Forsterygion flavonigrum) — Tripterygiidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Oscar Dove, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Yellowblack triplefin (Forsterygion flavonigrum) — Tripterygiidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Gail Ashton PhD, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Yellowblack triplefin sourced
Scientific name
Forsterygion flavonigrum
Family
Tripterygiidae
Other names
Yellow-black triplefin; Yellow-and-black triplefin verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Dorsal fins
Three separate sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
4.0 verified
Max depth (m)
110.0 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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