Distichodus affinis Care Guide
Distichodus affinis is a silvery African characiform from the Congo basin, a plant-grazing fish best kept in groups.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Distichodus affinis is an African freshwater fish described by Günther in 1873. It is one of the smaller and more sociable members of its genus, with a silvery body. FishBase and Wikipedia record it as widespread across the Congo River basin.
Taxonomy
- Family: Distichodontidae
- Genus: Distichodus
- Scientific name: Distichodus affinis
- Described by: Günther, 1873
- Synonym: Distichodus abbreviatus Peters, 1877
Habitat
According to FishBase and Wikipedia, the species is widespread in the Congo basin, from the lower Congo to the Lualaba, occurring in Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. Seriously Fish describes it from various biotopes throughout the lower and central Congo basin.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L (about 79 gal)
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.8
- GH: 5-18 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
Seriously Fish describes the species as omnivorous with a strong requirement for vegetable matter, accepting blanched spinach, frozen peas and spirulina-based foods alongside small live and frozen items such as bloodworm and Daphnia. Because it consumes plants, it is not a good choice for a planted aquarium.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish notes the species is not aggressive but may nip slow-moving or long-finned tankmates, and unlike some relatives it can be kept in a group. It suits African community setups with Congo tetras, Synodontis catfish and peaceful cichlids, as well as larger South American characins.
Breeding
Seriously Fish reports that breeding is not documented in captivity; in nature the species spawns in large shoals in open water.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009).
Affinis Distichodus Breeding Guide
Overview
Distichodus affinis is the smallest and most peaceful of the commonly kept Distichodus species, collected from various biotopes throughout the lower and central Congo basin. Seriously Fish records a maximum size of about 20 cm, and FishBase lists 20 cm TL. It is an egg-scatterer that, according to Seriously Fish, spawns in large shoals in open water in nature.
Sexing
Sexual dimorphism is reported as unknown by Seriously Fish, and FishBase lists no maturity data. There is no described external means of distinguishing the sexes.
Conditioning
The species is omnivorous and accepts most foods, but it should be offered a good proportion of vegetable matter, such as frozen peas, Spirulina flake and blanched spinach, alongside small live or frozen foods like bloodworm and Daphnia. Documented parameters are 23-27 C, pH 6.0-8.0 and hardness 5-20 dH (Seriously Fish). Unlike larger congeners it can be maintained in a group.
Common Challenges
Because natural spawning occurs in large open-water shoals, replicating the trigger in a home aquarium is difficult, and no fertile-egg or fry-rearing data is published. Aquarists seeking captive-bred stock generally rely on commercially farmed fish.