Silver distichodus

Distichodus affinis

Also known as Affinis distichodus, Red-finned distichodus

FreshwaterFish

Silver distichodus (Distichodus affinis) — (c) Igor Balashov, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by

Care at a glance

Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Adult size: 7.9 in (20 cm)
Minimum tank: 53 gal (200 L)
Temperament: Mostly peaceful
Social behavior: Social
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: No record
Rarity: Very rare
Origin: Native to the lower and central Congo River basin in central Africa.
Family: Distichodontidae

Overview

Unlike the big, territorial distichodus, this species can be kept as a small group of 4 or more in a tank of at least 200 liters. It is mostly peaceful but may nip slow or long finned tankmates, so choose companions that can keep up. Expect it to graze on soft plants, so use tough species or none at all.

In the wild

Lives in varied habitats through the lower and central Congo, from river channels to quieter margins. It grazes on plants, algae, and soft plant matter. It shoals more readily than its larger, feistier relatives.

Good to know

Distichodus affinis is the smallest and most peaceful of the commonly seen Distichodus, reaching around 20 cm. It has a plain silver body that develops red fins as it matures. It belongs to the African family Distichodontidae.