Adults are found in shallow waters, surge channels and tidal pools around fringing reefs where wave action is high; some found in the big surf, oxygen-rich habitat . 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 .
Dorsal spines (total): 14 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 10; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 17 - 21. Small supraorbital tentacle; first dorsal fin shorter by 50% than second dorsal fin; females translucent pale gray to white with red or dark brown double bars on body; an oblique, red to dark brown band from upper lip to eye; a red or dark brown blotch on opercle and pectoral-fin base; transparent median fins with red rays; males red with faint, dark brown bars; chest and lower half of head dark gray with scattered black spots almost as large as pupil. Dorsal rays III + XI-XIV + 7-10; lateral line interrupted, 14-18 + 16-20; mandibular pores 4-5 + 2 + 4-5 .: elongated.
Behavioural data for Surf Triplefin is currently being reviewed.
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 15 m . Tropical Central Pacific: New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | New Caledonian Blackhead Surf Triplefin · Surf Triplefin |
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Surf Triplefin ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.