Dr. Gerald (Gerry) Robert Allen, Australien
Info
Neoaploactis tridorsalis is a small, dark to light gray or light brown velvetfish with irregular white spots, especially on the fins, a light band behind the eye, and sometimes with an orange head.
The three-finned velvetfish has a deep notch between the 7th and 8th spines of the second dorsal fin, giving the appearance of three separate dorsal fins, hence the name.
The Velvetfish inhabits shallow sand and rubble areas near reefs and is also found under loose rocks near macroalgae.
This small, well-camouflaged benthic species is easily overlooked amid the sand, rocks, and shell debris in which it resides
The specific name "tridorsalis" is derived from the Latin "tri"- (= three) and "dorsalis" (= dorsal, from the back) and refers to the appearance of three dorsal fins in this species.
The three-finned velvetfish has a deep notch between the 7th and 8th spines of the second dorsal fin, giving the appearance of three separate dorsal fins, hence the name.
The Velvetfish inhabits shallow sand and rubble areas near reefs and is also found under loose rocks near macroalgae.
This small, well-camouflaged benthic species is easily overlooked amid the sand, rocks, and shell debris in which it resides
The specific name "tridorsalis" is derived from the Latin "tri"- (= three) and "dorsalis" (= dorsal, from the back) and refers to the appearance of three dorsal fins in this species.
