Blue dot triplefin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blue dot triplefin |
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The blue dot triplefin (Notoclinops caerulepunctus) is a tiny fish. It gets its name from the bright blue spots on its body. This fish is very small, growing to only about 5 centimeters long. That makes it the smallest of the triplefin fish found in New Zealand.
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Meet the Blue Dot Triplefin
The blue dot triplefin is a fascinating little creature. It's known for its unique colors and its helpful behavior in the ocean. This fish was first described by a scientist named Graham Stuart Hardy in 1989.
Where Does It Live?
You can find the blue dot triplefin swimming around the eastern side of New Zealand's North Island. They live near offshore islands and rocky headlands. These fish prefer areas with broken rocks, like coral reefs. They can be found in waters from about 1 meter deep down to 30 meters.
What Does It Look Like?
The head of the blue dot triplefin is a bright yellow-orange color. It has large, vivid red spots that go back to its first dorsal fin. The upper part of its body has dark blue-black square shapes. Between each pair of these squares, there is a shiny, iridescent blue spot. These blue dots often glow, making them easy to spot when the fish rests on colorful rocks.
Special Abilities
The blue dot triplefin is not just pretty; it's also helpful! These small fish are known to clean larger fish. They remove parasites from their bigger ocean neighbors. This is a special way they help keep the underwater world healthy.
See also
In Spanish: Notoclinops caerulepunctus para niños
