Yellow And Black Triplefin

Short denticles present on inter-radial circuli. Pterygiophore supporting first segmented ray of third dorsal fin anterior to neural spine of 25th vertebra. Dorsal fin formula V-0N-0-1-0-1. Nine procurrent rays in upper caudal lobe, 8 in lower lobe; in upper lobe 1 ray between upper lobe and posterior epural, 5 rays opposite epurals, 3 rays anterior to anterior epural; in lower lobe, 1 ray between lower lobe and haemal spine of second preural vertebra, 6 rays opposite haemal spine of third preural vertebra, 1 ray anterior to haemal spine of third preural vertebra. Front of body white with black eyes, black stripe extending to below base of second dorsal fin, rear part of body white or yellow; body yellow with black head in breeding males, females and non-breeding males white anteriorly, white or yellow posteriorly, with black stripe along lateral line, only reaching to mid-body (Ref. 84085).

Dorsal spines (total): 23 - 27; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 15; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 25 - 30; Vertebrae: 39 - 46

Adults usually inhabit rocky reefs (Ref. 84085). They are found on the sides or under overhangs of large boulders, sheltering in the massive sponge growths or in large, deep crevices. They feed mainly on amphipods, and also on barnacle cyprids and polychaete larvae. Males maybe territorial during the breeding season (Ref. 13227).

Adults usually inhabit rocky reefs (Ref. 84085). They are found on the sides or under overhangs of large boulders, sheltering in the massive sponge growths or in large, deep crevices. They feed mainly on amphipods, and also on barnacle cyprids and polychaete larvae. Males maybe territorial during the breeding season (Ref. 13227). Eggs are hemispherical and covered with numerous sticky threads that anchor them in the algae on the nesting sites (Ref. 240). Larvae are planktonic which occur primarily in shallow, nearshore waters (Ref. 94114).

fisheries: of no interest

The yellow-and-black triplefin, Forsterygion flavonigrum, a triplefin of the genus Forsterygion, is found around the north of the North Island of New Zealand at depths of between 15 and 30 m, in reef areas of broken rock. Its length is between 4 and 7 cm.

Its non-breeding colouration is a pale pinkish head with a yellowish body and tail, with a black mask across the eyes which continues in a stripe down the centre of the body gradually changing to a darker yellow.

The breeding colouration is spectacular - the head and tail become black, while the rest of the body becomes bright yellow. Yellow-and-black triplefins guard their nest. After spawning the non-breeding colours rapidly return.