6 Bar Distochodus
Distichodus
Behaviour Unpredictable
Typical size 25cm
Max size 35cm
Tank Area Bottom, middle
Min Tank Size 150cm
Temp Min: 22℃ Max: 26℃
Feeding Sinking pellet and wafer foods, provide plenty of vegetable matter in the diet
pH Range 6-8
This large fish is primarily herbivorous, so it will eat aquarium plants and requires some vegetation in its diet. At up to 35cm, this is a big fish which requires a tank at least 150cm (5 foot) in length. Although herbivorous, small fish may be considered food, so similar sized tankmates are best.
Two species are seen for sale, Distichodus sexfasciatus (Six banded Distichodus) is the larger fish, growing up to 70cm in the wild (but only about 35 in aquaria) and has a shorter snout. The other is Distichodus lusosso (Long-nose Distichodus) and has a longer snout. Both fish are varied in nature and can become troublesome.
Only suitable for very large tanks with large tankmates. Undemanding of water conditions.
Growth of these fish will be stunted in tanks that are too small.