Blackbelly Triplefin

Brown to reddish with yellowish patch on top of head, triangular black markings along belly, and blackish anal and caudal fins (central portion and margin of caudal fin lighter). Male with black "mask" covering front and lower two-thirds of head. Dorsal rays III + XI-XIV + 8-10; anal rays I,16-19; pectoral rays 16-17; pelvic rays I,2; lateral line interrupted, 15-19 + 14-19; head, chest, and pectoral-fin base scaleless; short orbital tentacle present; mandibular pores 3-5 + 1 + 3-5. Maximum size to 2.8 cm TL (Ref. 90102).

Dorsal spines (total): 14 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 10; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 16 - 19

Adults are found in rock and coral reefs 5 m or shallower (Ref. 90102). 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).