Yellow lip triplefin

Scientific name : Helcogramma cf. gymnauchen

Small bottom fish, reddish brown in colour with blotches and spots, transparent fins. Large mouth with prominent lips. 4 cm. Easy to mistake for a small goby. A careful observation is needed to identify the distinctive characters: 3 dorsal fins (gobies have 2), narrow and separated ventral fins (gobies' ventral fins are fused in a disc). Maybe easier to distinguish them observing the behaviour: triplefin never leave their coral-sponge, and seldom hide in a hole.

Associated organisms
Usually in association with large coral colonies, or sponges.