Red-black Triplefin
Tripterygion tripteronotum
Red-black Triplefin is a small coastal triplefin of shallow rocky reefs and tide pools, best known for the male’s dark body and bright red fins. It is not a target angling species and is usually encountered by divers and shore observers rather than anglers.
Identification points
- Male with a dark red to black body and vivid red/orange fins, especially the first dorsal fin
- Three distinct dorsal fins, with the first two very short and spiny and the third longer and soft-rayed
- Small elongated body with a blunt head and a typical triplefin look, often showing a pale head stripe or mottled females
Habitat
Shallow temperate rocky reefs, boulder fields, surge channels, and tide pools; typically close to structure and algal growth in very shallow coastal water.
Bait notes
Not a practical game species; rarely taken on hook and line. If incidentally caught, very small pieces of shrimp, marine worms, or micro-jigs may attract it, but it is best left un-targeted.
Behavior
A small benthic sit-and-wait fish that darts among rocks and algae, feeding mainly on tiny crustaceans and other zooplanktonic prey. Males are territorial and conspicuous in breeding colors, while females are browner and cryptic.
Caution
Handle gently if incidentally caught; its tiny size makes it easy to injure. Check local rules before collecting from rocky intertidal zones, which may be protected or restricted.
Fishing notes
No dedicated angling fishery. It is most often seen by snorkelers or in shallow shore collections; avoid destructive habitat disturbance in the rocks and tide pools it occupies.