| Family: |
Distichodontidae (Distichodus) |
| Max. size: |
6 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
pelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.5 - 7.5; dH range: 15, |
| Distribution: |
Africa: Cunene, Okavango, upper Zambezi, Kafue (middle Zambezi) and in the Zambian Congo River system (Ref. 52193), including Lakes Bangweulu and Mweru. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): -0; Anal spines: -0. Description: scales ctenoid; lateral line incomplete; body slender, compressed; head pointed; mouth terminal; eye relatively large; dorsal fin with 3 unbranched and 10-12 branched rays; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 8-9 branched rays; fins short, pectorals not reaching base of pelvics (Ref. 52193).
Coloration: translucent light olive; 16—25 dark bars; prominent spot at base of caudal fin (Ref. 52193). |
| Biology: |
Prefers vegetated margins of rivers and oxbow lagoons or shallow lakes; picks small invertebrates and epiphyton from stems of plants and roots; breeds in summer (Ref. 7248, 52193). Known to make seasonal movements onto floodplains during rainy season (Ref. 13337). Maximum size about 45mm SL; attractive and peaceful aquarium species (Ref. 52193). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 May 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
| Country info: |
|
Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.