Distichodus affinis Care Guide
Distichodus affinis is a silvery African characiform from the Congo basin, a plant-grazing fish best kept in groups.
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).