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Blackbelly distichodus (Distichodus atroventralis) — Distichodontidae

Blackbelly distichodus

Distichodus atroventralis
LC · Least Concern

The Blackbelly distichodus (Distichodus atroventralis) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 36 cm.

Length
35.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

Distichodus atroventralis is an African freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae known from the Congo basin. Like other Distichodus species it has a fairly deep, laterally compressed body and a small, ventral mouth used to scrape algae and plant material from surfaces; the pelvic fins are notably dark. The ground colour is usually silvery-grey to brownish. It lives in rivers and streams of the rainforest region and probably breeds in the rainy season. Owing to limited records, little is known about its detailed ecology. The fish is harmless to people.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackbelly distichodus?

The Blackbelly distichodus has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Blackbelly distichodus live?

The Blackbelly distichodus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Blackbelly distichodus get?

The Blackbelly distichodus grows to a maximum of about 36 cm.

Is the Blackbelly distichodus dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackbelly distichodus is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwartbuik-distichodus inferred
English name
Blackbelly distichodus inferred
Scientific name
Distichodus atroventralis
Family
Distichodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35.7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked sourced
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No verified
Dorsal fins
One continuous verified
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Vissen met plantaardig aas of deegaas op een bodem- of dobbermontage. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Distichodus

More from the family Distichodontidae

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