Matador Triplefin

Enneanectes matador

The Matador Triplefin is a small reef-associated fish found in the tropical waters of the Western Central Atlantic, specifically around Dominica, the Virgin Islands, and Panama. It is a member of the family Tripterygiidae and can grow up to a maximum length of 2.1 cm. Its body is elongated with an oval cross-section, and it features a blunt snout. A distinctive characteristic of this species is its coloration, with red-barred or all-red caudal fins and a series of white-black-red-white-red color bands extending from the caudal peduncle rearward. In breeding males, the caudal fin can be entirely red. The Matador Triplefin is equipped with 15 dorsal spines and 8 to 9 dorsal soft rays, along with 2 anal spines and 16 to 17 anal soft rays. It is typically found in reef habitats, where it is associated with the marine environment. The species has a naked belly, pectoral-fin base, and cheek, and adults possess a spiny preorbital bone. The Matador Triplefin is harmless to humans and is not utilized for any known human purposes. In terms of conservation, the Matador Triplefin is classified as Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List. Divers encountering this species can expect to see its unique color patterns and small size, making it a distinctive sight among the reef's inhabitants.