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Triplespine (Tripodichthys angustifrons) — Triacanthidae

Triplespine

Tripodichthys angustifrons
Family: Triacanthidae

The Triplespine (Tripodichthys angustifrons) is a saltwater fish of the family Triacanthidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–15.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The triplespine is a tripodfish (Triacanthidae) from shallow sand and mud water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a rough-skinned, laterally compressed, silvery body with a small mouth and a stout, lockable dorsal spine plus two large pelvic spines. As a bottom-oriented fish it picks small crustaceans, molluscs and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Triplespine?

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

Where does the Triplespine live?

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

How big does the Triplespine get?

The Triplespine grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Triplespine dangerous to humans?

No, the Triplespine is harmless to humans.

Is the Triplespine edible?

The Triplespine is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Smalkop-drietandvis sourced
English name
Triplespine sourced
Scientific name
Tripodichthys angustifrons
Family
Triacanthidae
Other names
Black-flag tripodfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 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
Max depth (m)
15.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely 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 Tripodichthys

More from the family Triacanthidae

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