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Snouted distichodus (Paraphago rostratus) — Distichodontidae

Snouted distichodus

Paraphago rostratus

The Snouted distichodus (Paraphago rostratus) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless

Description

The snouted distichodus is an African characin (Distichodontidae) from fresh water of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 13 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a conspicuously elongate, pointed snout. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches flowing rivers for small invertebrates, larvae and growth, and unusually can nip fins and scales from other fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Snouted distichodus?

The Snouted distichodus has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Snouted distichodus live?

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

How big does the Snouted distichodus get?

The Snouted distichodus grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Snouted distichodus dangerous to humans?

No, the Snouted distichodus is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Snuit-bijtzalm sourced
English name
Snouted distichodus sourced
Scientific name
Paraphago rostratus
Family
Distichodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Distichodontidae

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