Spectacled triplefin

Taxobox
name = Spectacled triplefin


image_caption = Photo by Ian Skipworth
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Perciformes
familia = Tripterygiidae
genus = "Ruanoho"
genus_authority = Hardy, 1986
species = "R. whero"
binomial = "Ruanoho whero"
binomial_authority = (Clarke, 1879)

The spectacled triplefin or longfinned triplefin, "Ruanoho whero", is a triplefin, the only species in the genus "Ruanoho". It is commonly found around New Zealand from depths of a few metres to about 30 m, most common in reef areas of broken rock. Its length is between 4 to 8 cm and its head is flattened with large eyes surrounded by a dark band giving rise to its common name. The head and fins have a pattern of fine blue lines. Its large pectoral fins are used as props when resting on the bottom where it spends most of its time.

In the breeding season in winter and spring the males become darker, with a blue/black head and black first dorsal fin, and dark bars on the body.

References

*
* Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, "Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand", (William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1982) ISBN 0-00-216987-8