Distichodus teugelsi Mamonekene & Vreven, 2008
photo by Reygel, A.

Family:  Distichodontidae (Distichodus)
Max. size:  5.7 cm SL (male/unsexed); 5.66 cm SL (female)
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater; pH range: 4.2 - 4.5,
Distribution:  Africa: Léfini and Alima basins in Republic of Congo, and middle Congo River main course in Democratic Republic of the Congo (Ref. 78699).
Diagnosis:  Diagnosis: 2 rows of bicuspid teeth on upper jaw and only 1 row of bicuspid teeth on lower jaw; 16 scales around caudal peduncle; no series of spots on flanks (Ref. 78699). Description: body rather elongated and only moderately compressed; mouth subterminal; caudal peduncle depth greater than its length; gill rakers small, 23 (12/1/10-11) to 26 (12/1/12-13) on first branchial arch; dorsal fin situated slightly anterior to vertical through origin of pelvic fin; scales small, ctenoid; lateral line complete, positioned along midlateral surface of body; adipose fin small and scaleless, situated closer to caudal fin than to dorsal fin; caudal fin covered with scales on proximal 1/3 (Ref. 78699). Coloration: in live: light greenish band along lateral line, dividing lateral surface into dark greenish upper and lower parts; distinctly contrasted belly yellowish-white marbled with red; scales of lower 2/3 of lateral surface with yellowish-white spots giving impression of weave with light meshes; central part and posterior margin of caudal fin transparent; upper and lower lobes of caudal fin blackish distally and gradually becoming yellowish-orange proximally; mid-base of caudal fin with more or less conical black spot, with posteriorly-oriented apex; head blackish above, and whitish with a metallic hue below; dorsal fin reddish, with large spot situated on basal portion of anterior 5-6 rays; anterior-most basal portion of dorsal fin yellowish-white to transparent; pectoral and pelvic fins transparent; anal and adipose fins yellowish with transparent distal parts (Ref. 78699). Preserved specimens: only black spot at base of caudal peduncle and spot on anterior base of dorsal fin clearly distinguishable; broad lateral band along lateral line whitish-grey; pigmentation dorsal and ventral to that band brown, more so ventrally; dorsal fin whitish-grey (Ref. 78699).
Biology:  Found in riparian or flooded forest; in shallow as well as deep areas; in acidic waters due to humic acids (Ref. 78699).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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