Six-banded Distichodus (Distichodus sexfasciatus) Care Guide
Distichodus sexfasciatus is a large African characiform from the Congo basin and Lake Tanganyika, growing too big for most home tanks.
Overview
Distichodus sexfasciatus is a large African characiform fish. According to FishBase it is widespread in the Congo River basin, from the lower Congo up to the upper Lualaba, and also occurs in the Lake Tanganyika basin. Juveniles are brightly banded with six dark vertical bars over an orange body, while adults darken with age.
Taxonomy
- Family: Distichodontidae
- Genus: Distichodus
- Scientific name: Distichodus sexfasciatus
Habitat
FishBase describes the species as a freshwater, pelagic fish that swims in shoals in the lower water layers of rivers and in inshore areas of lakes. Seriously Fish characterises it as predominantly benthic, inhabiting both lakes and rivers across its Central African range.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 800 L; Seriously Fish suggests around 540 L (150x60x60 cm) as a bare minimum
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F); FishBase and Seriously Fish list 22-26 °C
- pH: 6-7.8
- GH: 5-18 °dGH
- Lifespan: about 8-15 years
Diet
FishBase reports it feeds on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter, while Seriously Fish stresses that a decent proportion of the diet should be vegetable matter (such as blanched spinach) alongside live and frozen foods like earthworms and prawns. It is effectively an omnivore with a strong herbivorous tendency, which is why it readily damages aquarium plants.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish notes that temperament is unpredictable: some specimens stay peaceful with similarly sized fish, while others become spiteful as they mature. Juveniles shoal together but grow increasingly aggressive with age, so it is best kept with large, robust tankmates and not with small fish or live plants.
Breeding
According to Seriously Fish the species is not known to have been bred in captivity.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (FishBase cites an assessment dated 16 February 2009).