Clark's Threefin, Trinorfolkia clarkei (Morton, 1888)

Scientific name: Trinorfolkia clarkei
Alternative name/s:
Clark's Triplefin, Common Threefin, Macleay's Threefin, Rock Blenny
  • Author(s)
    Mark McGrouther
  • Updated
    22/04/22
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Clark's Threefins mating Click to enlarge image
Clark's Threefins mating at a depth of 6 m, Mornington Pier, Victoria, 15 November 2009. During spawning, the male lays vibrating over the female. Image: Sascha Schulz
© Sascha Schulz

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Trinorfolkia
    Species
    clarkei
    Family
    Tripterygiidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 8 cm in length.

Introduction

Clark's Threefin is endemic to Australia. Its colouration varies with its habitat. It can be grey, brown, orange or yellow.

Identification

The Clark's Threefin is a moderately elongate fish with an almost cylindrical body. The dorsal fin comprises three parts, the first and second are spiny, but the third consists of soft rays.

The colouration of this species varies with its habitat. It can be grey, brown, orange or yellow, often with seven darker bars above. A distinct bar is always present below the eye. The first dorsal fin often has a dark spot.

Distribution

It is endemic to Australia, occurring in shallow coastal and estuarine waters from northern New South Wales, around the temperate south of the country including Tasmania, to south-western Western Australia.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

References

  1. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544 (as Norfolkia clarkei).
  2. Kuiter, R.H. in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992 (as Norfolkia clarkei).
  3. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180 (as Norfolkia clarkei).
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433 (as Norfolkia clarkei).
  5. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437 (as Norfolkia clarkei).