Crimson Triplefin

Enneapterygius qirmiz is a small, intriguing species of triplefin blenny found primarily in the 🌊 Red Sea and certain parts of the 🌊 Western Indian Ocean, such as the Gulf of Aqaba and regions off 🇾🇪 Yemen and Ethiopia. Described by scientists Wouter Holleman and Sergey V. Bogorodsky in 2012, this fish is notable for its habitats and unique appearance.

Living in tropical marine environments, Enneapterygius qirmiz prefers shallow water, typically residing at depths of just 1 to 9 meters. It often seeks refuge in small caves and under overhangs, making it a common species that's not frequently encountered by divers. Despite this, its populations are not rare in those locales.

The species has two distinct color forms: one bright and the other pale. Males exhibit a striking crimson coloration on the front of their first dorsal fin, complemented by golden yellow marks and a white patch at the base. Both sexes have an oval patch of melanophores (pigmented cells) between their third and fourth dorsal fin spines, with males sporting a large rectangular blotch beneath the posterior of the second dorsal fin. These color features make the Enneapterygius qirmiz a fascinating subject for enthusiasts interested in marine life.

Reaching a maximum length of just 1.7 centimeters, these fish exhibit some interesting anatomical features. Their dorsal fin structures comprise 15 to 16 dorsal spines and 9 soft rays, while the anal fin has one spine and 17 to 18 soft rays, with an overall vertebral count of 33 to 34. Notably, their nape is covered in scales, adding to their distinctive look.

Ecologically, adult Enneapterygius qirmiz inhabit environments akin to those of the closely related Enneapterygius obscurus. They are often found in isolated reefs, far from coastal areas where other related species do not venture. When it comes to reproduction, the species lays hemispherical eggs that possess sticky threads, enabling them to anchor in algae at nesting sites. Following hatching, the larvae are initially planktonic and inhabit mostly shallow, nearshore waters.

Although widespread within their known distribution areas, Enneapterygius qirmiz remains an enigmatic species, largely due to its low visibility in commonly explored marine environments. Understanding and observing these fish can enrich our appreciation of the rich biodiversity present in our oceans.