The Panama Triplefin (Axoclinus lucillae) is a small, colorful fish belonging to the family Tripterygiidae. It is a relatively common inhabitant of certain marine environments, particularly along the Pacific coast of Central America.
Description & Characteristics
The Panama Triplefin (Axoclinus lucillae) is a small fish, reaching a maximum size of about 3.0 cm. It exhibits a vibrant coloration, with a body marked by a distinctive pattern of alternating dark and light bands.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Panama Triplefin (Axoclinus lucillae) is a benthic species, meaning it lives on or near the bottom of the ocean. It typically inhabits rocky reefs and tide pools, often found in areas with moderate wave action. This species prefers shallow, coastal waters, and can be found in the intertidal zone and down to a depth of about 10 meters. As a result, it is considered a resident of the Neritic Zone, the marine environment extending from the shoreline out to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The species Axoclinus lucillae belongs to the Class: Teleostei, which includes most of the bony fishes. It is also a member of the Order: Blenniiformes, which contains a diverse group of fishes commonly known as blennies. Within this order, it belongs to the Family: Tripterygiidae, a family characterized by having three dorsal fins.
Feeding
The Panama Triplefin (Axoclinus lucillae) is an opportunistic feeder. Its diet consists primarily of algae and small invertebrates, which it picks up from the substrate. It is a relatively active forager, using its small mouth to glean food from crevices and under rocks.
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