Helmet Triplefin

Description: Dorsal fin III + XII-XIV + 9-10 (usually 11); anal fin I, 18; pectoral rays 15-16; pelvic fin I, 2. Mandibular pores 3-4 + 1 + 3-4 (usually 4+1+4). In preservative, yellowish; male head black except snout and upper portion of operculum. Lacks orbital tentacle. Scaleless head, nape, and narrow portion below spinous dorsal fins. LL continuous, pored scales 18-23 (usually 20-22) (Ref. 90102).

Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 18

Inhabits rocky coasts to 3 m deep.

Adults inhabit rocky coasts to 3 m depth (Ref. 90102). Eggs are hemispherical and covered with numerous sticky threads that anchor them in the algae on the nesting sites (Ref. 240). Larvae are planktonic which occur primarily in shallow, nearshore waters (Ref. 94114).