Home · Distichodontidae · Elongate distichodus
Elongate distichodus (Monostichodus elongatus) — Distichodontidae

Elongate distichodus

Monostichodus elongatus
LC · Least Concern

The Elongate distichodus (Monostichodus elongatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
9.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The elongate distichodus is a small African characin of the family Distichodontidae endemic to the Ogowe river system in Gabon. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a slender, oblong body with a small mouth. It stays in vegetated, quiet parts of rivers and creeks. As a small omnivore it picks growth, algae, small invertebrates and detritus from plants and bottom. It is a peaceful little species. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Elongate distichodus?

The Elongate distichodus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Elongate distichodus live?

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

How big does the Elongate distichodus get?

The Elongate distichodus grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Elongate distichodus dangerous to humans?

No, the Elongate distichodus is harmless to humans.

Is the Elongate distichodus edible?

The Elongate distichodus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Slanke bekzalm sourced
English name
Elongate distichodus sourced
Scientific name
Monostichodus elongatus
Family
Distichodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
9.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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 Monostichodus

More from the family Distichodontidae

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