Pseudanos trimaculatus

Three-spot Headstander

Classification

Anostomidae

Distribution

Peru, Brazil and Guyana.

Habitat

This species is found in deeper water in small shoals.

Maximum Standard Length

5″ (12.5cm)

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

36″12″ x 12″ (90x30x30cm) – 85 litres

Maintenance

A biotope aquarium would consist of a sandy substrate with driftwood roots and branches. Algal growth should not be discouraged. If kept in a planted aquarium, any soft-leaved varieties will be eaten and even the tougher species will be picked at. Water flow should be quite strong. A well-fitting cover is essential as Pseudanos are excellent jumpers.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 73-81°F (23-27°C)

pH: 6.0-7.5

Hardness: 1-18°H

Diet

Though it is omnivorous, this species is primarily a herbivore. Offer live and frozen foods as well as plenty of vegetable matter in the form of blanched spinach, lettuce, cucumber, courgette, algae wafers etc.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

Aggressive towards its own kind when kept in small numbers, it can be maintained in groups of 6 fish or more in larger aquaria. Otherwise, keep as a single specimen in a community of medium to large fish. Suitable choices include larger characins (but not other Anostomids), Loricariids, Doradids, peaceful Cichlids, knifefish, Corydoras etc. It may nip at long-finned fish, especially slow-moving species.

Sexual Dimorphism

Unknown.

Reproduction

Not reported in aquaria.

NotesTop ↑

This species was formerly known as Anostomus trimaculatus and this name is still used in much of the available literature. It is now invalid, however. The genus Pseudanos contains 3 other known species, P. gracilis, P. irinae and the recently described P. winterbottomi. Care for these species is as for P. trimaculatus.