Longnose distichodus

Care at a glance

Overview

Juveniles are gorgeous, boldly banded, and sold at a few centimeters, but they grow into large, territorial fish that turn aggressive with age. Plan on a tank of several hundred liters minimum, a tight lid since they jump, and no live plants, which they will eat. Adults are best kept singly or with robust, similarly sized tankmates that can take the heat.

In the wild

Ranges through the main channels and vegetated margins of large Congo basin rivers. It grazes on plants, algae, and other soft growth along submerged wood and rocks. Adults hold their own space and patrol the middle water.

Good to know

Distichodus lusosso is almost identical to the six banded distichodus, but its longer, pointed snout tells the two apart. It reaches about 38 cm and loses its bright juvenile banding with age. It belongs to the African family Distichodontidae.

Did you know

The striking orange and black bars that make juveniles so appealing fade to a plainer look as the fish matures into a foot long grazer.

Related species

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  Six-banded distichodus

  Distichodus sexfasciatus

  15.7 in (40 cm)143 gal (540 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

• 

  Silver distichodus

  Distichodus affinis

  7.9 in (20 cm)53 gal (200 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)

• 

  African oneline tetra

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• 

  Ansorge's neolebias

  Neolebias ansorgii

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• 

  Redhead Cichlid

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  14.6 in (37 cm)75 gal (285 L)77–82°F (25–28°C)

• 

  Flowerhorn cichlid

  Amphilophus hybrid

  15.7 in (40 cm)90 gal (340 L)77–88°F (25–31°C)