Cryptic triplefin

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Cryptic triplefin
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Tripterygiidae
Genus: Cryptichthys
Species: C. jojettae
Binomial name
Cryptichthys jojettae
Hardy, 1987

The cryptic triplefin, Cryptichthys jojettae, is a triplefin of the family Tripterygiidae, the only member of the genus Cryptichthys, found around the coast of New Zealand in exposed rock pools and reefs. It length is up to 6 cm.

The cryptic triplefin's head and body is red to reddish brown with pinkish blotches and prominent dark columns and arches running onto the belly. The fins are various hues of pink and red. It is distinguished from other triplefins by the distinctive color pattern and the continuous lateral line extending to the caudal peduncle.

It inhabits rock pools and in surge zones, especially in exposed areas, usually on steep slopes or sides of boulders encrusted with invertebrates and algae.

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