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Peters' distichodus (Distichodus petersii) — Distichodontidae

Peters' distichodus

Distichodus petersii
LC · Least Concern

The Peters' distichodus (Distichodus petersii) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 45 cm.

Length
45 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

Peters' distichodus is an African characin from fresh water of southern Africa, including the Zambezi system. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a deep, stocky body with a small head and a rounded snout. As a herbivore it grazes water plants, algae and plant matter in rivers and floodplains. It is a local food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Peters' distichodus?

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

Where does the Peters' distichodus live?

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

How big does the Peters' distichodus get?

The Peters' distichodus grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.

Is the Peters' distichodus dangerous to humans?

No, the Peters' distichodus is harmless to humans.

Is the Peters' distichodus edible?

Yes, the Peters' distichodus is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Peters distichodus verified
English name
Peters' distichodus verified
Scientific name
Distichodus petersii
Family
Distichodontidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Netten en handlijnen sourced
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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