Depth
Tripterygion · Bony Fish

Small Triplefin Blenny

Tripterygion melanurum

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Tripterygion
Species melanurum

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationVery small triplefin with three separate dorsal fins. Males develop dark body colouration during breeding. Females are brownish. A subtle pale-edged dark band runs through the eye.
  • SizeUp to 5 cm total length, commonly 3 to 4 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary and territorial on rocky surfaces.
  • HabitatRocky reefs, walls, and boulders with coralline algae cover. Often on shaded, vertical surfaces.
  • Depth3 to 40 m, most common between 5 and 25 m.
  • Feeds OnTiny invertebrates picked from rock surfaces.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic coast.
  • DescriptionThe smallest of the three Mediterranean triplefins. Like its relatives, it clings to shaded vertical rock faces and is easily overlooked. Despite its diminutive size, breeding males put on a bold dark display. Distinguished from the black-faced blenny and red-black triplefin by subtler head colouration.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Reef & Open habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Small Triplefin Blenny species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Feeds on tiny copepods, amphipods and other microinvertebrates gleaned from rock surfaces and algal turf.

Micro predator

Reproduction

Males guard small egg clutches attached to rock surfaces. Courtship involves colour intensification and fin displays.

Egg guarder

Behaviour & Defence

At barely 3-4 cm, its minute size and cryptic patterning render it almost invisible on encrusted rock surfaces.

Camouflage

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Tripterygion melanurum. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

View dive site ›
5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

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18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide