Redeye Triplefin

Enneanectes atrorus

The Redeye Triplefin, a small and slender fish, is easily recognizable by its distinct body coloration featuring brown or black bars on a pale, often red, background. It is a member of the family Tripterygiidae and is characterized by three well-defined dorsal fins and cirri present on top of the eye and on the rim of the anterior nostril. This species is typically found in the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from southern Florida and the Bahamas to St. Kitts, although it is not present in the Gulf of Mexico. Redeye Triplefins inhabit tropical marine environments, particularly patch reefs surrounded by sandy bottoms. They are generally found at depths ranging from 1 to 15 meters, making them accessible to divers exploring shallow reef areas. The species is reef-associated and can often be seen perching on rocks or coral structures. The Redeye Triplefin's reproduction involves laying eggs that are hemispherical and equipped with sticky threads, allowing them to anchor in algae at nesting sites. Larvae are planktonic, occurring primarily in shallow, nearshore waters. The species is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.