| Family: |
Distichodontidae (Distichodus) |
| Max. size: |
25 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
pelagic; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
Africa: White Nile basin (Ref. 2936, 28714), Chad basin and Benue River (Ref. 2936, 86396). |
| Diagnosis: |
Diagnosis: body depth 4.7-6.2 and head length 3.1-3.8x SL; caudal peduncle 1.5-2x longer than high; head flattened, 2.9-3.5 longer than wide; eye diameter 4-7x of head length; scale formula 12.5-14.5/90-107/13.5-14.5; single, dark, undulating longitudinal band along lateral line (not visible in live specimens); caudal-fin lobes marked with oblong black spots (Chad and Benué) (Ref. 2936, 86396).
Description: pointed snout, slightly shorter than post ocular part; apart from the bicuspid teeth, there are 2 strong canines in upper and 3 in lower jaw; scales ctenoid; 10-12 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base (Ref. 2936, 86396).
Coloration: silvery or greyish body sometimes with dark longitudinal band above lateral line; after preservation in formalin this band becomes more distinct; dorsal fin grey or light yellow; caudal fin bright yellow with black oblong spots (Ref. 2916, 86396). |
| Biology: |
Maximum TL was recorded at 24.5 cm (Ref. 7094). Inhabits open water and fringing vegetation. Feeds on Caridina and fish fry (Ref. 28714). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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