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Dwarf distichodus

Distichodus decemmaculatus

Also known as Ten-spotted distichodus

FreshwaterFish

Dwarf distichodus (Distichodus decemmaculatus)

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
Diet
Omnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Distichodontidae
Origin
Central Congo basin, including Pool Malebo

Overview

The dwarf distichodus is a peaceful shoaling fish for a roomy community tank. It is best with a little experience.

Did you know

The dwarf distichodus belongs to a genus that includes fish reaching well over half a meter and many times its weight. Those aquarium giants quickly outgrow home tanks, but this dwarf stays small enough to keep for life.

Caring for the dwarf distichodus

Keep dwarf distichodus in a shoal of six or more, since lonely fish grow stressed and sicken. A group needs a roomy tank of at least 30 gal (112 L). Leave open swimming room in the middle, with robust or floating plants around the edges and some driftwood.

Keep the water at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C), with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Like all distichodus, it is a dedicated plant grazer, and it grazes constantly, mostly on soft plant matter. Expect it to nibble and uproot tender plants, so hardy species, plastic plants or vegetables clipped in for it work better. Feed vegetable flakes and pellets alongside some frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp.

It is peaceful with other fish, so calm, sturdy tank mates suit it. There is no reliable record of it breeding in home aquariums.

Good to know

Distichodus decemmaculatus belongs to the family Distichodontidae. Its name means ten-spotted, for the row of small dark spots along each flank.

In the wild

The dwarf distichodus lives in the central Congo basin, including the wide waters of Pool Malebo. It keeps to vegetated margins with gentle flow.

Weekly picks

Tank mates

The dwarf distichodus is a peaceful, shoaling species that keeps to the middle. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a dwarf distichodus need?

A dwarf distichodus needs at least 30 gal (112 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a dwarf distichodus need?

A dwarf distichodus is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a dwarf distichodus eat?

A dwarf distichodus grazes constantly, mostly on soft plant matter, and will nibble tender plants. Feed it vegetable flakes and pellets alongside some frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp.

How big does a dwarf distichodus get?

An adult dwarf distichodus reaches about 3 in (7.5 cm).

Does a dwarf distichodus need a group?

Yes. A dwarf distichodus is a shoaling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

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