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Twotone distichodus (Paradistichodus dimidiatus) — Distichodontidae

Twotone distichodus

Paradistichodus dimidiatus
LC · Least Concern

The Twotone distichodus (Paradistichodus dimidiatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The twotone distichodus is the only species of its genus, an African characin of the family Distichodontidae from West and Central Africa. The species grows to about 9 cm and has an oblong body that is two-coloured lengthwise, with a dark upper and pale lower half. It stays in vegetated, quiet to moderately flowing 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 schooling fish. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Twotone distichodus?

The Twotone distichodus has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Twotone distichodus live?

The Twotone distichodus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Twotone distichodus get?

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

Is the Twotone distichodus dangerous to humans?

No, the Twotone distichodus is harmless to humans.

Is the Twotone distichodus edible?

The Twotone distichodus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Tweekleur-bekzalm sourced
English name
Twotone distichodus sourced
Scientific name
Paradistichodus dimidiatus
Family
Distichodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes 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
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling 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

More from the family Distichodontidae

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