Blue-eyed triplefin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blue-eyed triplefin |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
The blue-eyed triplefin is a small and colorful fish. Its scientific name is Notoclinops segmentatus. This fish is special because it has bright, shiny blue eyes! That's how it got its common name.
You can find blue-eyed triplefins mostly around the North Island of New Zealand. They live in the ocean, usually in areas with broken rocks and reefs. They like depths from about 1 meter (about 3 feet) down to 30 meters (about 100 feet).
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
The blue-eyed triplefin is quite small. It usually grows to be between 3 and 6 centimeters (about 1 to 2.5 inches) long. Besides its amazing blue eyes, this fish has other cool features.
Colors and Patterns
It has nine red stripes that go all the way around its body. Its back and head often have a hint of orange. These colors help it blend in with its rocky home.
Life and Habits
Blue-eyed triplefins have interesting ways of living and raising their young.
Breeding Season
When it's time to breed, usually in winter, the male fish change color. The orange on their head, tail, and a fin called the anal fin becomes much brighter. The rest of their body turns a blue-black color.
Building Nests
Male blue-eyed triplefins are very good at setting up homes for their eggs. They find small dips or hollows on rocky walls underwater, usually about 10 to 20 meters deep. They then try to get female fish to lay their eggs in these nests. After the eggs are laid, the male fish guards them carefully to keep them safe.
What Do They Eat?
The blue-eyed triplefin eats tiny sea creatures. Its diet mainly includes small crustaceans, like amphipods and copepods. These are like tiny shrimp or crabs. Sometimes, these fish even help bigger fish by eating parasites off their bodies!
See also
In Spanish: Notoclinops segmentatus para niños
