Forsterygion varium (Forster 1801)

Head and pectoral fin base scaly (latter covered with cycloid scales), no scales on third dorsal fin membrane, ctenoid scales adjacent to but not overlapping base of third dorsal fin membrane. Lateral line scales short, posterior projection absent (present in specimens

Dorsal spines (total): 2632; Dorsal soft rays (total): 1216

Adults are generally more abundant above 10m, but common in areas of broken rock on reefs, rock pools and sub-tidally down to 33 m (Ref. 84085). They feed on benthic invertebrates. Spawning occurs from May to November (Ref. 9003). 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).

The variable triplefin or striped triplefin, Forsterygion varium, is a triplefin native to New Zealand, but also introduced to Tasmania, Australia, most likely in shipments of oysters. It is found in rock pools and depths down to 30 metres, in reef areas of broken rock with kelp.