Western Australian black-head triplefin
📖 Overview
Adults occur at shallow depths, often seen associated with coralline rocks, seagrass or algae . 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): 14 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 12; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 14 - 20. Male dusky red with black "mask" covering most of head, chest, and pectoral-fin base, about 5 whitish saddles/bars on back (a few extending on lower side), and white bar on pectoral-fin base (immediately posterior to black area). Female mainly brownish or greenish with white bars. Dorsal rays III + XI-XIV + 8-12; anal rays I,14-20; pectoral rays 14-18; pelvic rays I,2; lateral line interrupted, 14-20 + 13-20; head, chest, and pectoral-fin base scaleless; lobate orbital tentacle; mandibular pores 3-4 + 1-2 +3-4. Maximum size to 4.4 cm TL .: elongated; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Western Australian black-head triplefin is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Western Australian black-head triplefin is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Western Australian black-head triplefin is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 12 m . Tropical Southwest Pacific: Papua New Guinea and Australia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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