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Threespot headstander (Pseudanos trimaculatus) — Anostomidae

Threespot headstander

Pseudanos trimaculatus
Family: Anostomidae

The Threespot headstander (Pseudanos trimaculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Anostomidae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
18.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The threespot headstander is a headstander (Anostomidae) from fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. The species grows to about 19 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a small mouth and three dark blotches along the flank. It often swims obliquely head-down and eats algae, plant material, small invertebrates and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Threespot headstander?

The Threespot headstander has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Threespot headstander live?

The Threespot headstander lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Threespot headstander get?

The Threespot headstander grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Threespot headstander dangerous to humans?

No, the Threespot headstander is harmless to humans.

Is the Threespot headstander edible?

Yes, the Threespot headstander is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Drievlek-kopstaander sourced
English name
Threespot headstander sourced
Scientific name
Pseudanos trimaculatus
Family
Anostomidae
Other names
Threespot headstander verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Pseudanos

More from the family Anostomidae

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