Dwarf distichodus

Distichodus decemmaculatus

Also known as Ten-spotted distichodus

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Adult size: 3 in (7.5 cm)
Minimum tank: 30 gal (112 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Shoaling
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: No record
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Central Congo basin, including Pool Malebo
Family: Distichodontidae

Overview

This is the one distichodus that stays small enough for an ordinary tank, and it needs to be in a group, since lonely fish grow stressed and sicken. Keep a shoal of six or more in the mid-water of a roomy tank. It grazes constantly, mostly on soft plant matter, so expect it to nibble and uproot tender plants; hardy species, plastic plants, or vegetables clipped in for it work better. It is peaceful with fish, so calm, sturdy tankmates suit it. Feed vegetable flakes and pellets alongside some frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp. Give a group at least 112 liters.

In the wild

The dwarf distichodus lives in the central Congo basin, including the wide waters of Pool Malebo, among vegetated margins and gentle flow. Set it up with open swimming room in the middle of the tank, robust or floating plants around the edges, and driftwood. Keep it warm at 23 to 27 degrees Celsius, with pH from 6.0 to 7.5. Because it grazes greenery, choose plants that can take the abuse or accept that soft ones will be eaten.

Good to know

Distichodus decemmaculatus belongs to the family Distichodontidae and grows to about 7.5 centimeters, tiny for a genus whose best-known members pass half a meter. Its name means ten-spotted, for the row of small dark spots along each flank. Like all distichodus it is a dedicated plant grazer. There is no reliable record of it breeding in home aquaria.

Did you know

Its genus includes fish that reach well over half a meter and many times its weight, aquarium giants that quickly outgrow home tanks. This ten-spotted dwarf is the rare exception, a distichodus that stays small enough to keep for life.