Six-banded Distichodus, also known as Sixbar Distichodus, is a type of freshwater fish from Africa.
Its scientific name is Distichodus sexfasciatus and it belongs to the Distichodontidae family.
This fish likes to swim in groups near the bottom of rivers and close to the shore in lakes.
It eats worms, crustaceans, insects, and plants in its natural environment.
Six-banded Distichodus Interesting Facts
- Six-banded Distichodus is a freshwater fish native to Africa, particularly the Congo River basin and Lake Tanganyika basin.
- These fish prefer to swim in groups near the bottom of rivers and lakeshores, with a water pH between 6.0 to 7.5 and temperatures between 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C).
- They feed on worms, crustaceans, insects, and plants.
- These fish grow up to 30 inches (76.0 centimeters) long with no dorsal spines; their bodies are deep, and their mouths are located on the bottom side (inferior).
Six-banded Distichodus Habitat
Six-banded Distichodus is found in Africa, mainly in the Congo River basin.
Its habitat ranges from the lower Congo to the upper Lualaba but not in Luapula-Moero. It also lives in the Lake Tanganyika basin.
Six-banded Distichodus is a freshwater fish that swims near the water’s surface. It prefers a pH level between 6.0 to 7.5 and water hardness from 10 to 20 dH.
The ideal temperature for this tropical fish is between 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C).
| Water Temperature: | 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 7.5 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 10 to 20 dH |
Six-banded Distichodus Physical Characteristics
Size: 30 inches (76.0 centimeters)
Six-banded Distichodus grows up to 30 inches (76.0 centimeters) long.
This fish has no dorsal and anal spines but has 24 to 25 dorsal soft rays and 14 to 15 anal soft rays.
Its body is relatively deep, measuring about 2.25 to 2.5 times its total length.
The snout of the Six-banded Distichodus is short and rounded, and its mouth is located on the bottom side (inferior).
It has 12 to 14 teeth in both the upper and lower jaw’s outer rows. While alive, this fish appears reddish in color.
Six-banded Distichodus Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Distichodontidae |
| Genus: | Distichodus |
| Scientific Name: | Distichodus sexfasciatus |
| Also Known As: | Six-banded Distichodus, Sixbar Distichodus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |