Forsterygion lapillum, or the common triplefin, is frequently found in rockpools, harbours, and coastal reef. It varies in colors but always has a distinct black line that run vertically along each side of the fish and meets in a ‘v’ at to top of its head.

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Forsterygion varium is a larger species of triplefin, between 10 - 20 cm in length. It is commonly found on reefs with abundance of seaweeds and algaes, in depths to 10 m. The variable triplefin has an alternating pattern of black and white splotches and has red fins and tail. It also has a larger, wider head compared to other triplefins.

The spectacled triplefin, Ruanoho whero, is usually a reddish grey color with bright blue marking on its face and fins. Hence its common name, it also has a dark distinctive strip across both eyes. It can be found in boldery terian that provides good hiding places in depths deeper than 5 m. 

The cryptic triplefin, Cryptichthys jojettae, as its name suggest is very camouflaged but has a distinctive white bar at the base of it tail. It can be found in red algae and turf and it moves in short darts. It is usually 9 cm long. Because it is fast, small, and highly camouflaged it is a rarer species of triplefin.

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The scaly-head triplefin can grow to 15 - 20 cm and is either pink, white or fawn with brown horizontal stripes. It can be found in a large variety of habitats but is commonly found in cracks, caves or under overhangs. It is found in the intertidal zone down to 30 m depth. 

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Bellapiscis lesleyae is found in the surge zone amongst oysters and barnacles. They have a black and white splotchy pattern and can be between 3 - 5 cm long. They are tricky to spot as when a wave washed up against the rock they are underwater but as it washed away they are out of the water (the surge zone). 

The blue eyed triplefin, Notoclinops segmentatus, is found commonly around northern New Zealand in mixed reef and rock walls down to 10 m deep. It consists of 9 dark red stripes vertically down a shiny white body with vivid blue eyes. This triplefin can grow to 6 cm.

The Yaldwyn’s triplefin can grow to 7 cm and has a pink, orange or fawn body with numerous dots and a distinctive stipe through its eye. It is found commonly at offshore islands on reefs within 15 m depth. Males in spawning colours are bright orange and yellow also with dots.

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The Oblique-swimming triplefin is different to other triplefins as is nearly constantly swimming in a school. The Oblique-swimming triplefin is orange and yellow and has a thick, black stripe that runs horizontal to the fish and a black eye.

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The Yellow-black triplefin is more commonly found in deeper water within kelp forest or sponge gardens. They can grow to 7 cm and have a black stripe that runs from their eye to there tail that fades into yellow halfway down the triplefin. They are a pearly white with a yellow tail. Males, in spawning season have a black head and yellow body.

Forsterygion malcolmi is named after Malcolm Francis. It has 6 brown vertical bands amongst its white body. It has a yellow head and is a lager triplefin growing to 10 cm. It can be found in deeper reef in kelp forest and crevices.

Forsterygion nigripenne is found regularly in estuaries and shallow, sandy bays all over New Zealand. They can be pale brown or dark blacky, brown with iridescent blue markings on their anal fin. They have dark green or fawn marking on face and can grow up to 12 cm.

Bellapiscis medius is very similar to Bellapiscis lesleyae, the mottled twister, but  Bellapiscis medius is found more frequently in rock pools. Bellapiscis medius has a dull grey body with darker grey vertical stripes and can grow to 10 cm. 

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Ruanoho decemdigitatus is the lager of the two ruanoho species. Females are usually mottled pale brown with pink and white  fins. Whereas males are mottled black with red, blue and white markings and fins. They are generally found in shallower depths, under boulders and in crevices all over New Zealand.

(photo by Nick Shears)

The blue dot triplefin is a rare triplefin because they are usually only found at 10 metres plus. They can be found hiding in dark crevices or under overhangs amongst bryozoans and hydroids. They have a mainly clear head with bright orange spots and teal highlights. There body's are made up of 9 black stripes and four iridescent spots. they can grow up to approximately 9 cm