Pseudanos three-pointed

The three-spotted pseudonosus, scientific name Pseudanos trimaculatus, belongs to the family Anostomidae (Anostomidae). Previously, it had a different scientific name – Anostomus trimaculatus, which is still mentioned in various sources.

Habitat

The fish is native to South America. It is found throughout the Amazon River basin in Peru and Brazil and other river systems in Guyana and Suriname. Inhabits the main channels of the rivers. It prefers to be located at medium depths near the coastline among thickets of aquatic plants and snags.

Description

Adult individuals reach a length of up to 18 cm. The main color is gray, in certain lighting it can acquire yellow hues. Two black spots are visible in the body pattern. The first is located in the middle, the second – at the base of the tail. Sometimes a third spot is noticeable behind the gill cover.

Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed. Males and females have few visible differences.

Behavior and Compatibility

It belongs to flocking species, in nature they live in large groups of 50 or more individuals. In a home aquarium, it is necessary to maintain a flock size of at least 6-8 individuals. It is noted that with a smaller number of Pseudanos three-pointed begins to be hostile to relatives. For this reason, in small aquariums, it is recommended to keep alone in the company of other species.

Good compatibility is achieved with peaceful fish of comparable size among the Corydoras catfish, Bronyakov or Loricari catfish, calm large South American cichlids. An exception is the closely related representatives of the Anostomovs.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 300 liters.
• Temperature – 23-27°C
• Value pH — 6.0–7.5
• Water hardness – 1–18 dH
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – subdued, moderate
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – moderate
• The size of the fish is about 12 cm.
• Nutrition – plant-based feed
• Temperament – conditionally peaceful
• Keeping alone or in a group of 6-8 individuals

Maintenance and care, arrangement of aquariums

Mobile, active fish, needs space for swimming. For one Pseudanos, an aquarium of 80 liters is enough. For a group of 6–8 individuals, 350–400 liters or more will already be required.

In the design, it is desirable to provide places for shelters in the form of thickets of plants, snags and other natural or artificial elements, while maintaining free areas of open water for swimming.

Given the predominantly plant-based diet of these fish, when decorating an aquarium, preference should be given to hard-leaved, fast-growing species. Any plants with soft tender leaves are likely to be damaged or eaten.

The vast natural habitat allowed this species to successfully adapt to life in a fairly wide range of hydrochemical parameters. For the aquarist, this means a significant simplification of the water treatment process when maintaining the aquarium. The only condition is to ensure the stability of pH and dGH values, to prevent excessive accumulation of organic waste.

Food

The basis of the daily diet should be plant-based feed, but at the same time containing protein components. Blanched spinach, lettuce, slices of cucumber, zucchini will be a great addition. The three-spotted pseudonosus will eat algae, but it should not be considered as a means of combating them.