TankBud

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
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Very rare
Family
Distichodontidae
Origin
Native to the lower and central Congo River basin in central Africa.

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.

Did you know

It is the one distichodus you can reasonably keep in a group, since it stays smaller and far calmer than its foot long cousins.

Common questions

What size tank does a Silver distichodus need?

A Silver distichodus needs at least 53 gal (200 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Silver distichodus need?

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

How big does a Silver distichodus get?

An adult Silver distichodus reaches about 7.9 in (20 cm).

Related species