Common name: Red-black triplefin

Scientific name: Tripterygion tripteronotum (Risso, 1810)
Male Red Blackfaced Blenny (Tripterygion tripteronotum) in Mediterranean SeaRed-black triplefin blenny (Tripterygion tripteronotum) underwater photo in Mediterranean Spain
Close-up of a red-black triplefin fish, Tripterygion tripteronotum, underwater in the Mediterranean sea, France, Occitanie

General information

The Red-black triplefin, Tripterygion tripteronotum, is a small, colorful blenny found in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. This species is known for its distinctive coloration, with males displaying a striking red body and black dorsal fins during the breeding season. They are a hardy species that can adapt to various environments, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
40 liter (11 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.4
Average size
8 cm (3″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Prefers rocky setups with hiding spots
Diet
Carnivore Enjoys small crustaceans and brine shrimp
Social
Solo Can be territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May show aggression to smaller fish
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perciformes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Triplefin blennies
    Tripterygiidae
  6. Genus
    Triplefin blennies
    Tripterygion
  7. Species
    Red-black triplefin
    Tripterygion tripteronotum (Risso, 1810)
  8. Synonyms
    Blennius tripteronotus Risso, 1810
    Tripterygion nasus Risso, 1827
    Trypterigion tripteronotus (Risso, 1810)

Care

Red-black triplefins are relatively easy to care for. They require a well-structured aquarium with plenty of rockwork and crevices to provide hiding places and mimic their natural habitat. A varied diet of small live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood will help maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Tripterygion tripteronotum exhibits a fascinating reproductive behavior. Males become territorial and display their vivid colors to attract females. After spawning, males guard the eggs until they hatch. In captivity, breeding is less common, but providing the right conditions can encourage spawning behavior.

Habitat

Red-black triplefins are typically found in shallow, rocky coastal waters, often in tide pools or just below the low tide mark. They are adept at navigating the complex terrain of their habitat, which includes crevices and overhangs where they can seek shelter and forage for food.