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Congo distichodus (Distichodus hypostomatus) — Distichodontidae

Congo distichodus

Distichodus hypostomatus
LC · Least Concern

The Congo distichodus (Distichodus hypostomatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 20 cm.

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

Description

Distichodus hypostomatus 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 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. Because of limited records, little is known about its detailed ecology or population size. The fish is harmless to people.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Congo distichodus?

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

Where does the Congo distichodus live?

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

How big does the Congo distichodus get?

The Congo distichodus grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Congo distichodus dangerous to humans?

No, the Congo distichodus is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Congo-distichodus inferred
English name
Congo distichodus inferred
Scientific name
Distichodus hypostomatus
Family
Distichodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
19.5 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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