Longsnout Distichodus

Distribution:
   The Longsnout Distichodus or Long Nosed Distichodus was described by Schilthuis in 1891. They are found in Bayari-sea, Lusosso, Zaire, and throughout the Congo basin is Africa. They inhabit large rivers and swim in schools.

Status:
   The species is not listed on the IUCN Red List.

Description:
   The Longsnout Distichodus is an elongated fish, becoming more deep bodied as they mature. The body is an orangish gold marked with black vertical bars. They have red tinged fins and a forked tail fin. It is quite similar to its close relative, the Sixbar Distichodus Distichodus sexfasciatus, but has a longer snout and is much smaller as an adult. Juvenile markings are quite striking, but as adults the patterning becomes subdued. Their life span is 9 to 12 years.

Size - Weight:
   Maximum size is 15 inches (38 cm).

Care and feeding:
   The Longsnout Distichodus are primarily herbivorous in the wild so for optimal health, their diet should consist of large amounts of vegetable matter. They will accept most prepared foods including flakes and small pellets and will greedily eat fresh or frozen foods. They like to eat plants so provide greens like Spirulina flake and blanched spinach. Occasionally giving them a piece of leaf lettuce to nibble on is also a good idea.
   These fish are easy to keep, but because of their large adult size they require a large aquarium. Juveniles can be kept in a 40 gallon tank, but as they mature a 55 gallon tank will be minimum. Provide a gravel or sand substrate and a decor of driftwood and smooth rocks. Most plants will be eaten, however some species such as the Anubias Nana may be ignored. They have a reputation for being excellent jumpers so the tank will need to be covered.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   The Distichodus lusosso will swim in all parts of your tank.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
  Temp: 72 - 79° F (22 - 26° C)
   Ph: 6.5 to 7.0
   Hardness: 2-20° dGH

Social Behaviors:
   Some Distichodus lusosso can become aggressive, so it is suggested that they are kept with other fast moving fish that do not have long fins. They usually will not bother bottom dwelling catfish. This is a schooling fish so they will be less aggressive if kept in a school of 5 or more, but because of their high price this is may not be practical for the average hobbyist. Some tank mates could include other large species of Characins, Bichirs, Cyprinids, and catfish.

Sexual Differences:
  Unknown.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Has not been bred in captivity. See the general description of how to breed Characins in Breeding Freshwater Fish.

Availability:
   The Longsnout Distichodus or Long Nosed Distichodus are occasionally available but usually demand a high price.

Author: Ken Childs
Additional Information: Clarice Brough, CFS