Tripterygion melanurus
Tripterygion melanurum
Special features
There are several subspecies of threefin-blennies, and they are geographically determined.
Its movement is oddly exciting; you can describe it as jumping rather than swimming.
Appearance
This threefin-blenny stands out thanks to its bright red base color and the black and white marbled head. During mating season, however, the male loses his pattern and turns black all the way.
Its body is thin and elongated and becomes ever narrower towards the tail fin. His dorsal and pectoral fins are transparent and decorated with red stripes.
His eyes are big and his mouth is, as the name suggests, strikingly pointed.
Natural enemies
Predatory fish
Dangerous/Venomous
The Tripterygion melanurus is neither dangerous nor venomous.
Sketch
1. Remarkably pointed mouth
2. Slightly marbled pattern
3. Huge eyes
Pro tips
It is most likely to be found in the shade of rock walls and overhangs.
The shape of the snout is reminiscent of a pipette with which they suck up tiny crabs.
During mating season, males establish territories on rocky seabed covered with algae. From this vantage point, they perform "loop-swimming" or "loop-hopping" to attract females. One male may attract and mate with several females.
Text: Carolina Leiter, Felician Hosp, Pia Balaka
Pic: Felician Hosp
Illustration: Dive Dict
