Striped Threefin
Helcogramma striata
A diminutive reef-dwelling fish that lives in close association with various corals and marine sponges. Its easily recognisable colour pattern features several pale horizontal stripes on a dark red background and yellowish underparts.
Morphology
An elongate, almost cylindrical body with three separate dorsal fins (hence the common name). Grows to a maximum size of only about 5 cm.
Evolution
The genus Helcogramma is reasonably diverse group of fishes containing 39 currently recognised species and is contained within the triplefin family Tripterygiidae which comprises 175 species.
Behaviour
Typically occurs in small groups living on the surface of sponges or coral heads. Feeds on zooplankton.
Method of reproduction
Sexual. Females deposit eggs bearing adhesive threads attaching them to macroalgae. Like most reef fishes, the larvae are planktonic.
Habitat
Marine
Associated with sponges and corals in depths from 0 to 30 m.
Distribution
Indo-West Pacific, occurring from Sri Lanka to Kiribati (including northern Australia) and north to Japan.
Life Cycle
Oviparous
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Suborder: | Blennioidei |
| Family: | Tripterygiidae |
| Genus: | Helcogramma |
| Species: | striata |
| Name Published Year: | 1986 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Hansen |
| Commercial Impact: | None |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/helcogramma-striata
Accessed 2 Sep 2023
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