Triplefin fishes from the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, Colombian Pacific

Research on triplefin fishes (family Tripterygidae) in the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, Colombian Pacific, reveals new insights into the abundance and morphological variability of two endemic species: Axoclinus rubinoffi and Lepidonectes bimaculatus. The study found mean larval abundances of 1.88 individuals/m² for A. rubinoffi and 0.25 individuals/m² for L. bimaculatus, while adult densities were 0.22 and 0.19 individuals/m², respectively. These findings highlight significant differences in population densities compared to previous studies and extend the known natural variability of morphological traits. The research underscores the need for long-term data collection, including genetic information, to fully understand the population dynamics of these species. Triplefins were collected at night stations near El Arrecife and La Nevera, as well as around the island at depths of 0-30 meters.

Rojas, S., Beltrán, B., & Tavera, J. (2021). Triplefin fishes from the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, Colombian Pacific. Boletín de Investigaciones Marinas Y Costeras, 50(1), 11–26. https://doi.org/10.25268/bimc.invemar.2021.50.1.1058