Common triplefin
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[Photo] Forsterygion lapillum (Common triplefin). Photo by Ian Skipworth

The common triplefin, Forsterygion lapillum, is a fish of the genus Forsterygion, found around the coast of New Zealand in rock pools and down to depths of about 15 m in reef areas of broken rock. It is the only triplefin to be found commonly in rock pools. Its length is between 4 to 8 cm.

Its non-breeding colouration is whitish with a prominent black stripe running from the top of the gill covering to the base of the tail. During the breeding season from June to January males turn a dark green-black, and prepare nest sites under small boulders to attract females. The nest and eggs are defended by the males. Juveniles settle out of the plankton from September to February when they are about 15 to 20 mm long, but only live for 2 to 3 years.

The common triplefin's food is mainly tiny crustaceans, amphipods and isopods, and polychaetes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_triplefin

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