Twister (Bellapiscis medius): facts, sounds & photos

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Twister (Bellapiscis medius) lives in intertidal zone across New Zealand coast. It feeds on small crustaceans and molluscs. Its conservation status is Least Concern.

Fascinating facts about the Twister

Its body measures just 5–10 cm, small enough to slip into a child's hand yet large enough to dart among rocks.
Unlike any other triplefin, the twister spends its adult life in the intertidal zone, living in tidal pools.
It endures swings in temperature, oxygen and acidity that would stress most fish.
Winter brings a noticeable drop in numbers, so the twister becomes scarcer in pools when the sea turns colder.

At a glance

RangeNew Zealand coast

Habitatintertidal zone

Dietsmall crustaceans and molluscs

About the Twister

The twister (Bellapiscis medius) is a triplefin measuring 5 to 10 cm that lives in tidal pools of New Zealand’s intertidal zone; as an adult it endures changes in temperature, oxygen levels, and acidity, and its abundance decreases during winter months.

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