Spotted-head triplefin

📖 Overview

Occurs usually on exposed shallow rocky reefs in depths less than 5 m, haracteristically on the upper surface of rocks covered by patches of ca. 1-2 mm length algae, whereas other congeners tend to occur on vertical surfaces. Reproductive season at Yaku-shima Island extends from the end of February to April (ca. 18-21 °C), spawning usually taking place in the morning. During the spawning season, males display nuptial coloration, which can alter quickly depending on the situation for as a female approaches the male’s melanophores on head become more obvious, forming a blackish mask on the head and body. Also, the brownish blotches on the dorsal head surface become paler and almost completely fade. During spawning, brownish pigmentation on the nape continues to change, sometimes forming blotches or lines, and becoming dense or pale. When alive, brownish blotches on the dorsal head surface are more distinct in young individuals, but paler in nuptial males and relatively large females .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 11; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 17 - 21. The new species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D1 III, D2 XII-XIV, D3 9-11, with first spine of D1 shorter than that of D2, its length 5.5-10.2% SL (mean 8.2%); pectoral-fin rays ii-v (iv) + 3-6 (4) + iv-viii (vii) = 13-16; A 17–21; scales below first notched lateral-line scale 3 or 3½; pored lateral line scales 15-18; scale rows in longitudinal series 32-37; circumpeduncular scales 8-12; single transverse scale row between posteriormost pored scale and anteriormost notched scale; mandibular-pore formula usually 3 + 1 + 3; orbital tentacle short, slender and pointed, its length shorter than nasal tentacle. Colouration: body generally semi-transparent white with reddish blotches and saddles; bright white blotches aligned along midlateral scale series; the dorsal surface of head with brownish blotches; head, snout and cheek, opercle, pectoral fin base, and base of 8 lowermost pectoral-fin rays black in nuptial males; undersurface of head, including pelvic-fin base, and anterior part of abdomen black, pigment sometimes extending to anus .Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Spotted-head triplefin is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Spotted-head triplefin is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Spotted-head triplefin is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 5 - 20 m , usually 0 - 5 m . Subtropical

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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