About Forsterygion flavonigrum Fricke & Roberts, 1994
The yellow-and-black triplefin, scientifically named Forsterygion flavonigrum, is a triplefin species belonging to the genus Forsterygion. It is found around the northern part of the North Island of New Zealand. This fish inhabits broken rock reef areas at depths between 15 and 30 meters, and reaches a total length between 4 and 7 centimeters. When not breeding, this species has pale pinkish coloration on the head, with yellowish coloration on the body and tail. A black mask crosses the eyes, and this mask continues as a stripe down the center of the body that gradually shifts to darker yellow. Breeding individuals have striking coloration: the head and tail turn black, while the remaining body becomes bright yellow. Yellow-and-black triplefins guard their nests, and non-breeding coloration rapidly returns after spawning is complete.
