Lofty triplefin
📖 Overview
Adults live in and about coral reefs and rocky shores in clear water . Eggs are hemispherical and covered with numerous sticky threads that anchor them in the algae on the nesting sites . Larvae are planktonic which occur primarily in shallow, nearshore waters .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13 - 16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 10; Anal soft rays: 15. Common amongst Tripterygiids: small, slender fishes. Cirri often present on top of eye and on rim of anterior nostril. Upper and lower jaws each with broad band of conical teeth. Three well-defined dorsal fins; first with 3 spines, second with 10 to 13 spines, third with 7 to 10 segmented rays; last dorsal-fin spine and first segmented ray borne on separate pterygiophores. Caudal fin with 13 segmented rays, 9 of which are branched; pelvic fin with 2 simple segmented rays and 1 embedded spine, inserted anterior to pectoral-fin base. Ctenoid scales on body; pectoral-fin base and belly naked or covered with cycloid scales. Lateral line interrupted at midbody, anterior lateral-line scales pored, posterior scales notched. Body coloration: brown or black bars on a pale (often red) background. Species distinguished by: pectoral-fin base and belly scaled; dorsum and pectoral-fin axil with enlarged scales; segmented anal-fin rays usually 15; pectoral-fin soft rays usually 14; and, pored lateral-line scales usually 11.: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Lofty triplefin is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Lofty triplefin is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Lofty triplefin is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated, usually 3 - 10 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Lofty triplefin is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Lofty triplefin is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Lofty triplefin has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 61 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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