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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
Range
Oceania: Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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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. Oceania: Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea

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. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Triplespine edible?

The Triplespine is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Triplespine sourced
Scientific name
Tripodichthys angustifrons
Family
Triacanthidae
Other names
Black-flag tripodfish; Blackflag 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
Natural range
Oceania: Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. 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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