Fish diurnal

Blue-eyed Triplefin

Notoclinops segmentatus

A tiny jewel of the New Zealand coastline, the Blue-eyed Triplefin captivates observers with its neon gaze and bold candy-cane stripes. This miniature predator is a master of the rocky reef, perfectly adapted to life in the surge.

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Quick Identification

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Size

3-6 cm (1.2-2.4 inches) in length; weighs only a few grams.

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Colors

Brilliant iridescent blue eyes; nine vertical red bars on a pale body; orange-to-yellow tinge on the head and dorsal area.

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Key Features

Striking neon blue eyes
Nine distinct red vertical bars wrapping around the body
Small, slender body with three distinct dorsal fins
Orange coloration on the head and nape

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 10 AM - 4 PM when sunlight best illuminates reef crevices

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Season Year-round, with peak visibility in summer months (December-March)

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Diet Invertebrate hunter feeding on tiny crustaceans, amphipods, and zooplankton found on rock surfaces or drifting in the water column.

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Habitat Rocky reefs, broken rock areas, and tide pools, typically from the low tide mark down to 30 meters.

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Behavior

The Blue-eyed Triplefin is a charming and spirited resident of New Zealand's rocky reefs. Unlike many fish that swim constantly, triplefins spend most of their time 'perched' on rocky substrates, using their pelvic fins almost like tiny legs to maintain their position against the surge. They are highly territorial over their small patches of reef, often seen darting short distances to grab a passing morsel before returning to their favorite lookout spot.

These fish are relatively bold for their size and often show curiosity toward divers and underwater cameras. Their social structure is mostly solitary, though you may find several individuals inhabiting the same large rock face. During the breeding season, males become particularly defensive of their territory, displaying their vibrant colors to attract mates and ward off rivals.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Blue-eyed Triplefin requires an underwater setup, such as a waterproof action camera or a dedicated reef-monitoring housing. Because these fish are small and blend into the texture of the rocks, place your camera very close to rocky ledges or 'broken' reef areas where there is a mix of shadow and light. Aim for a distance of 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) to ensure the AI can pick up the distinct blue of the eyes.

Lighting is your best friend when filming this species. As red light is filtered out quickly underwater, using a small submersible LED video light will make those nine red body bars pop and reveal the true iridescence of their eyes. Set your camera to a high frame rate (60fps or higher) to capture their lightning-fast 'darting' movements, which can be over in a fraction of a second.

To attract them to your lens, you don't necessarily need bait, but placing the camera near a bed of small algae or a known crustacean haunt will increase your chances. Look for 'cleaning stations' or areas with high water flow where food is naturally delivered. Ensure the camera is weighted or mounted securely to a heavy base, as the surge in shallow reef areas can easily knock a light camera out of position.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Blue-eyed Triplefin.

Common Triplefin

Lacks the bright blue eyes and has a more mottled brown/grey camouflage pattern rather than distinct red bars.

Longfinned Triplefin

Has a much longer first dorsal fin and lacks the bright neon blue eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Blue-eyed Triplefins are strictly diurnal, meaning they are active during daylight hours. They are easiest to spot when the sun is high, as the light penetrates the water to highlight their iridescent blue eyes and red markings.

You can attract them by placing your camera near rocky crevices or 'gutters' in the reef where water flow is high. They are curious by nature and will often approach a stationary object like a camera to investigate it as a potential new perch.

They are micro-carnivores, feeding primarily on tiny crustaceans, small marine worms, and zooplankton that live on the surface of rocks or drift by in the current.

Yes, if you live near a rocky coastline in the North Island of New Zealand, they are very common in the intertidal zone and can even be found in large, deep tide pools at low tide.

The most obvious giveaway is the 'blue eye'—very few other species have such a bright, iridescent blue iris. Additionally, look for the nine vertical red bars that wrap entirely around the body, which is a unique pattern for this species.

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