Animal-World > Aquarium Tropical Fish > Characins > Long-nosed Distichodus

Longsnout Distichodus

Longnose Distichodus ~ Long Nosed Distichodus

Family: CitharinidaeDistichodus lusossoPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Ken Childs

   Just like the tetras we are all so familiar with, the Longsnout Distichodus is a characin, but it is fairly rare, quite pricey, and gets big!

   Like their close relative the Sixbar Distichodus Distichodus sexfasciatus, the Longsnout Distichodus have vertical bars on their flanks and bright red fins. They are actually very similar, but can easily be distinguished by their noticeably longer snout.

   This is a very easy fish to keep but because of their potential to grow to 15 inches, they require a large aquarium. A juvenile Longsnout Distichodus will need at least 40 gallons, and as they mature a 55 gallon tank will be minimum. They are primarily herbivorous and will each aquarium plants. Their temperament with tank mates is unpredictable. Some will be peaceful and co-habitat well with similar sized occupants, while others will get ornery. Keeping them in schools is ideal and helps lesson aggressive behavior.

   Most species of Distichodus are sold by their scientific name. Because their price is generally high, they are usually only purchased by advanced hobbyists. Most of these fish collectors don't use the common names because they want to be 100% sure that they are getting the fish they desire. Eventually it is hoped that someone will be able to commercially breed this and other rare fish so they will become more accessible to everyone. If/when this day arrives, the Longsnout Distichodus Distichodus lusosso will need a good common name.

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Habitat: Distribution / Background

   The Longsnout Distichodus or Long Nosed Distichodus was described by Schilthuis in 1891. They are found in Bayari-sea, Lusosso, Zaire, and throughout the Congo basin is Africa. They inhabit large rivers and swim in schools.

• Scientific Name: Distichodus lusosso
• Social Grouping: Groups - This fish will be most comfortable in a school of 5 or more.
• IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed

Description

   The Longsnout Distichodus is an elongated fish, becoming more deep bodied as they mature. The body is an orangish gold marked with black vertical bars. They have red tinged fins and a forked tail fin. It is quite similar to its close relative, the Sixbar Distichodus Distichodus sexfasciatus, but has a longer snout and is much smaller as an adult. Juvenile markings are quite striking, but as adults the patterning becomes subdued. Their life span is 9 to 12 years.

• Maximum Size: 15.0 inches (38.10 cm)

Fish Keeping Difficulty

• Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy
• Aquarist Experience Level: Expert - This fish is very expensive and requires a large tank so generally it is only kept by dedicated, experienced aquarists.

Foods and Feeding

   The Longsnout Distichodus are primarily herbivorous in the wild so for optimal health, their diet should consist of large amounts of vegetable matter. They will accept most prepared foods including flakes and small pellets and will greedily eat fresh or frozen foods. They like to eat plants so provide greens like Spirulina flake and blanched spinach. Occasionally giving them a piece of leaf lettuce to nibble on is also a good idea.
   These fish are easy to keep, but because of their large adult size they require a large aquarium. Juveniles can be kept in a 40 gallon tank, but as they mature a 55 gallon tank will be minimum. Provide a gravel or sand substrate and a decor of driftwood and smooth rocks. Most plants will be eaten, however some species such as the Anubias Nana may be ignored. They have a reputation for being excellent jumpers so the tank will need to be covered.

• Diet Type: Herbivore
• Flake Food: Yes
• Tablet Pellet: Yes
• Vegetable Food: All of Diet
• Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day

Aquarium Care

• Water Changes: Bi-weekly

Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gal (208 L) - Although juveniles can be housed in smaller quarters, an adult fish will be large and require a lot of swimming space.
• Substrate Type: Any
• Lighting Needs: Moderate - normal lighting
• Temperature: 72.0 - 79.0° F (22.2 - 26.1° C)
• Range ph: 6.5-7.0
• Hardness Range: 2 - 20 dGH
• Brackish: No
• Water Movement: Moderate
• Water Region: All

Social Behaviors

   Some Distichodus lusosso can become aggressive, so it is suggested that they are kept with other fast moving fish that do not have long fins. They usually will not bother bottom dwelling catfish. This is a schooling fish so they will be less aggressive if kept in a school of 5 or more, but because of their high price this is may not be practical for the average hobbyist. Some tank mates could include other large species of Characins, Bichirs, Cyprinids, and catfish.

• Venomous: No
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive - Temperament will vary greatly individual to individual. It is wise to keep these fish in a small group to diffuse some aggressive tendencies amongst their own kind.
• Compatible with:
  • Same species - conspecifics: Yes
  • Peaceful fish (): Threat
  • Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Safe - not aggressive
  • Plants: Threat - This herbivore will eat many of the plants commonly kept in aquariums.

Sex: Sexual differences

  Unknown.

Breeding / Reproduction

   Has not been bred in captivity. See the general description of how to breed Characins in Breeding Freshwater Fish.

• Ease of Propagation: Unknown

Availability

   The Longsnout Distichodus or Long Nosed Distichodus are occasionally available but usually command a high price.

References

Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants

Author: Ken Childs
Additional Information: Clarice Brough, CFS

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