Threespot Headstander

Pseudanos trimaculatus

Threespot Headstander is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 18 cm (≤ 7.1 in)
Aquarium size: 400 L or larger / ≥ 150 cm (≥ 59.1 in) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 23–27 °C
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 1–18 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 400 L or larger / ≥ 150 cm (≥ 59.1 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–27 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 1–18 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Threespot Headstander is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Threespot Headstander should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Argentina, Brazil, Guyana, Peru.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 400 L or larger / ≥ 150 cm (≥ 59.1 in) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Apollo’s Leporinus Leporinus apollo Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 15 cm (≤ 5.9 in) 20–27 °C Black Banded Leporinus Leporinus fasciatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 30 cm (≤ 11.8 in) 22–27 °C Asian Upside Down Catfish Mystus leucophasis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 30 cm (≤ 11.8 in) 23–26 °C Black Ghost Knifefish Apteronotus albifrons Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 50 cm (≤ 19.7 in) 23–28 °C Adonis Tetra Lepidarchus adonis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2 cm (≤ 0.8 in) 21–26 °C African Copper Ribbon Tetra Rhabdalestes septentrionalis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 7 cm (≤ 2.8 in) 22–28 °C

FAQ

How large does Threespot Headstander get?

Threespot Headstander reaches ≤ 18 cm (≤ 7.1 in).

What aquarium size does Threespot Headstander need?

Use an aquarium of at least 400 L or larger / ≥ 150 cm (≥ 59.1 in) minimum length.

Is Threespot Headstander peaceful?

Yes. Threespot Headstander is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Threespot Headstander?

Keep it between 23 to 27 °C.