About Notoclinops segmentatus (McCulloch & Phillipps, 1923)
The blue-eyed triplefin, whose scientific name is Notoclinops segmentatus, is a fish species belonging to the genus Notoclinops. It is commonly found around the North Island of New Zealand, at depths ranging from 1 meter to around 30 meters. It is most abundant in reef areas made up of broken rock. Adult blue-eyed triplefins reach a total length between 3 and 6 centimeters. This species can be easily told apart from other small fish by its iridescent blue eyes, which are the source of its common name. It has nine red vertical bars that extend all the way around its body, and the back and head have an orange tinge. During the winter breeding season, the orange coloration on males becomes brighter on the head, tail, and anal fin, while the rest of the male's body turns blue-black. Males construct nests in small depressions on vertical rock faces at depths of approximately 10 to 20 meters, and encourage females to lay their eggs in these nests. Males then guard the nests after eggs are laid. The diet of the blue-eyed triplefin consists of small crustaceans, including amphipods and copepods. The species has also been observed removing parasites from larger fish. As of 2017, the recorded count of this fish stands at 58 individuals.
