Tripterygion tartessicum Carreras-Carbonell, Pascual & Macpherson 2007

This species has an elongated and compressed body, greatest height at base of anal fin, being about one-sixth total length. Entire body with ctenoid scales except base of pectoral fin and ventral abdominal region back to vent. Lateral line with an anterior section with 20 (19-22) pored scales, and a posterior section with 22 (21-24) notched scales, total of 42 (40-46). Upper, anterior, section commencing at upper angle of opercular opening, slightly curving up over the pectoral fin base and running parallel to the dorsal profile to a point below last 1-3 rays of second dorsal fin; canal running across exposed width of each scale. Lower, posterior, section commencing below, and in front of last scale or two of upper section, running along the mid-line of tail to caudal fin base; each scale with shallow notch in free-edge tip (Ref. 58124).

Dorsal spines (total): 19 - 21; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 13; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 22 - 24

Inhabits similar habitats to Tripterygion tripteronotus, shallow rocky shores to 6 m, preferably between 0 and 3 m; in light-exposed and shady biotopes dominated by algal communities (e.g. Corallina elongata, Cladophora spp., Litophyllum spp., Enteromorpha spp.). Nests are usually situated in sciaphyl habitats dominated by steep rocky zones, without arborescent algae (Ref. 58124).

Adults inhabit similar habitats to Tripterygion tripteronotus, shallow rocky shores to 6 m, preferably between 0 and 3 m; in light-exposed and shady biotopes dominated by algal communities (e.g. Corallina elongata, Cladophora spp., Litophyllum spp., Enteromorpha spp.). Nests are usually situated in sciaphyl habitats dominated by steep rocky zones, without arborescent algae (Ref. 58124). Eggs are hemispherical and covered with numerous sticky threads that anchor them in the algae on the nesting sites (Ref. 240). Larvae are planktonic which occur primarily in shallow, nearshore waters (Ref. 94114).

Tripterygion tartessicum is a species of fish in the family Tripterygiidae, the threefin blennies. It is widespread in the Mediterranean Sea and eastern Atlantic Ocean, where it occurs along the southern coast of Spain and from Morocco to Tunisia. It is a tropical demersal fish measuring up to 7.7 centimetres (3.0 in) in length.

The species was described in 2007 when red-black triplefin (Tripterygion tripteronotum) specimens were determined to be individuals of a new species. Its specific name refers to the semi-mythical city of Tartessos and its associated culture, which was located in southern Spain, within the range of this species.