Longnose distichodus
Distichodus lusosso
Also known as Long-snouted distichodus, Long-nosed distichodus, Long nose distichodus
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 72–81°F
- 22–27°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Adult size
- 15 in
- 38 cm
- Minimum tank
- 119 gal
- 450 L
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Distichodontidae
- Origin
- Widespread in the Congo River basin in central Africa.
Overview
The longnose distichodus is sold at a few centimeters, but it grows into a large, territorial fish that turns aggressive with age. It is a fish for experienced keepers.
Did you know
The bold orange and black bars of a juvenile longnose distichodus fade to a plainer look as it matures.
Caring for the longnose distichodus
Plan on a tank of at least 119 gal (450 L) for a longnose distichodus. Fit a tight lid, since it jumps. Skip live plants, which it will eat.
Keep the water at 72 to 81°F (22 to 27°C), with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It is a grazer of plants, algae and other soft growth. Keep an adult on its own, or only with robust, similarly sized tank mates that can take the heat.
Good to know
Distichodus lusosso is almost identical to the six-banded distichodus, but its longer, pointed snout tells the two apart. It belongs to the African family Distichodontidae.
In the wild
The longnose distichodus ranges through the main channels and vegetated margins of large Congo basin rivers. It grazes along submerged wood and rocks there. Adults hold their own space and patrol the middle water.
Common questions
What size tank does a longnose distichodus need?
A longnose distichodus needs at least 119 gal (450 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a longnose distichodus need?
A longnose distichodus is comfortable at 72–81°F (22–27°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
What does a longnose distichodus eat?
A longnose distichodus grazes on plants, algae and other soft growth. It will eat any live plants in its tank.
How big does a longnose distichodus get?
An adult longnose distichodus reaches about 15 in (38 cm).
Related species
15.7 in (40 cm)143 gal (540 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)Six-banded distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
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7.9 in (20 cm)53 gal (200 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Silver distichodus
Distichodus affinis
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7.5 in (19 cm)40 gal (150 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)Noboli distichodus
Distichodus noboli
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3 in (7.5 cm)30 gal (112 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Dwarf distichodus
Distichodus decemmaculatus
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2.4 in (6 cm)20 gal (75 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)Green dwarf distichodus
Distichodus teugelsi
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2.6 in (6.5 cm)16 gal (60 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)African oneline tetra
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