Distichodus sexfasciatus Boulenger, 1897
Sixbar distichodus
Distichodus sexfasciatus
photo by Artigas Azas, J.M.

Family:  Distichodontidae (Distichodus)
Max. size:  76 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 7.5; dH range: 10 - 20
Distribution:  Africa: widespread in the Congo River basin, from the lower Congo (Ref. 1879, 42510) up to the upper Lualaba (Ref. 2970), but absent from Luapula-Moero (Ref. 2970). Also in the Lake Tanganyika basin (Ref. 4967, 36901).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24-25; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 14-15. Body depth 2.25-2.50 times in total length; snout very short and obtuse; mouth inferior; 12-14 teeth in the outer row of the upper and lower jaw; in life, reddish body colour (Ref. 122092).
Biology:  Swim in shoals at the lower water layers of rivers and inshore areas of lake. Feeds on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter (Ref. 7020).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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