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Silver tripodfish (Triacanthus nieuhofii) — Triacanthidae

Silver tripodfish

Triacanthus nieuhofii
Family: Triacanthidae

The Silver tripodfish (Triacanthus nieuhofii) is a saltwater fish of the family Triacanthidae that grows up to 28 cm.

Length
28 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The silver tripodfish is a tripodfish (Triacanthidae) from shallow coastal water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a stocky, laterally compressed, silvery body with a pointed snout, a rough skin and a stout, lockable first dorsal spine together with two powerful pelvic spines. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches over sand and mud bottoms for small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans; mind the sharp spines when handling.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Silver tripodfish?

The Silver tripodfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Silver tripodfish live?

The Silver tripodfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Silver tripodfish get?

The Silver tripodfish grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.

Is the Silver tripodfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Silver tripodfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Silver tripodfish edible?

Yes, the Silver tripodfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zilveren drietandsvis sourced
English name
Silver tripodfish sourced
Scientific name
Triacanthus nieuhofii
Family
Triacanthidae
Other names
Silver tripodfish; Tripodfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
28.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud 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 Triacanthus

More from the family Triacanthidae

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