| Family: |
Distichodontidae (Distichodus) |
| Max. size: |
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4 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
pelagic; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
Africa: Cunene, Okavango, upper Zambezi and Kafue systems, recently taken from the middle Zambezi above Kariba (Ref. 52193). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): -0; Anal spines: -0. Description: scales ctenoid; lateral line incomplete, limited to 8 or 9 scales behind head; body slender; fins short; mouth terminal; 10 slender bicuspid teeth in upper and lower jaws; dorsal fin with 3 unbranched and 10-11 branched rays (Ref. 52193). Anal fin with 3 unbranched and 8-9 branched rays (Ref. 11970, 52193).
Coloration: translucent, light olive, silvery below; 12—16 irregular bars and a prominent dark “eye” spot at base of caudal fin; caudal fin with 2 or 3 bands; pelvic and anal fins sooty; males darken in breeding dress (Ref. 52913). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits clear, quiet, well-vegetated habitats; common on floodplains and in the Okavango Delta; feeds by picking periphyton and tiny invertebrates from the stems and leaves of water plants; breeds in summer (Ref. 7248, 52193). Attractive and peaceful in aquariums (Ref. 52193). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 March 2007 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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