About Forsterygion maryannae (Hardy, 1987)
The oblique-swimming triplefin, scientifically known as Forsterygion maryannae, is a species of triplefin. It is found along the northeast coast of the North Island of New Zealand, at depths ranging from approximately 5 meters to 50 meters. This species is unique among triplefins: unlike other triplefins, it does not spend most of its time resting on the sea bottom. Instead, it swims in loose schools that can contain hundreds of individuals, moving above rocky reefs. When it swims, its head is positioned higher than its tail, which gives the species its common name. Adult oblique-swimming triplefins reach a total length between 5 and 8 centimeters. Their body is orange-brown, with a red-tinged head, a black eye, and a wide black longitudinal stripe running along each flank. These fish are plankton feeders, and they catch their small prey—copepod and euphausid crustaceans—while in mid-water. The species' specific name, maryannae, honors underwater photographer Maryann W. Williams.
