The genus name Trigonectes was first used for the monotypic species Trigonectes strigabundus by G.S. Myers in 1925.

The name was given by the wedge- scaped schools that were seen in the wild and after Huber (KilliData) this was erroneosely choosen as it was not supposed to be specifically formed. triangular (from Greek: Trigonos) and Swimmer (from Greek: nectos)

First description: Myers G.S. 1925. Results of some recent Studies on American Killifishes. The Fish Culturist, 4 (8): 371.

The former described Haplochilus balzanii (Perugia, 1891) was placed into this genus by Myers also.

Behaviour:

See species level for specific treatment and breeding.