Tripterygiidae
by C. D. Zander
Small fishes, some ripe at 2 cm; ctenoid (rough) scales; dorsal fin divided into three, first two with spiny, last with soft rays; anal fin with 2 spines; pelvics jugular, the 3 rays divided into 2 partial fins. Gill membranes united forming fold across throat.
Worldwide; occur littorally in tropical and subtropical, but seldom boreal areas. Living on hard substrates including coral reefs.
Genera 15; in Clofnam area 1.