Green dwarf distichodus

Distichodus teugelsi

Also known as Teugels' distichodus

FreshwaterFish

Green dwarf distichodus (Distichodus teugelsi) — The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 4.5–6.5
Adult size: 2.4 in (6 cm)
Minimum tank: 20 gal (75 L)
Temperament: Peaceful
Social behavior: Shoaling
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: No record
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Central Congo basin blackwaters
Family: Distichodontidae

Overview

One of the smallest distichodus, a soft-water specialist for a blackwater tank, and a shoaling fish that should be kept in a group of six or more in the mid-water. Like its relatives it grazes plant matter, so it will sample soft plants; give it hardy greenery or offer blanched vegetables to browse. It is peaceful and suits calm tankmates that share its taste for acidic water. Feed vegetable-based foods with some small frozen fare. Because it wants genuinely soft, acidic conditions, it is better suited to an experienced keeper. A group needs around 75 liters.

In the wild

The green dwarf distichodus comes from the middle Congo, where it lives in soft, acidic blackwater. That chemistry is not an optional extra: recreate it with soft water, tannins from leaf litter and wood, and gentle filtration. Keep it warm at 22 to 26 degrees Celsius and acidic, with pH from 4.5 to 6.5. Dark substrate and subdued light suit its origins and show off its colour.

Good to know

Distichodus teugelsi, described in 2008, is among the very smallest species in its genus, reaching only about 6 centimeters where its relatives grow far larger. It belongs to the family Distichodontidae and, like the rest, grazes on plant material. The species is named for the Belgian ichthyologist Guy Teugels. Its breeding has not been documented in aquaria.

Did you know

This is a distichodus built for water most of its river neighbours avoid: genuinely soft and acidic Congo blackwater. Few fish of its family live in conditions this acid, which is part of why it stays uncommon in the hobby.

Tank mates

Green dwarf distichodus is a peaceful, shoaling species that keeps to the middle. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.