Distichodus lusosso – Longsnout Distichodus

Distichodus lusosso – Longsnout Distichodus

Distichodus lusosso was described in 1891 by Schilthuis. The genus name can be broken down into two parts. ‘Distichus’ means ‘of two rows’ and ‘odon’ means ‘tooth’. This is a reference to the two rows of split teeth on both jaws. Their common name is Longsnout Distichodus.

Synonym: Distichodus leptorhynchus.

Description

Distichodus lusosso is a fairly large Distichodus with a maximum height of 38 cm. The species lives in rivers in Cameroon, Central African Republic and Congo. Fossil remains indicate that the Distichodus family had a range that spanned much of Africa 7 to 5 million years ago.

They are very attractive fish, with a barbel-like body shape, somewhat reminiscent of Clown Botia in coloration and behavior of large Labeo species. They are orange colored and have 6 dark-colored cross bands across the body. They also have bright red fins. As the animals get bigger, the colors fade. Fully grown animals even become completely gray in color.

Distichodus lusosso can be distinguished from the more commonly offered Distichodus sexfasciatus by its elongated beak. In addition, Distichodus lusosso remains smaller. Experience has also shown that this species is less aggressive. Young specimens live in groups. As they get older, they isolate themselves a little more. In nature, they still live in groups. In the aquarium, however, this usually does not work.

The aquarium

Since plants are on the menu, it is unwise to keep the fish in an aquarium in which plants are part of the interior. However, hardy plant species such as Anubias, Bolbitis and Java Fern are usually not eaten. There are also experiences of aquarists where Distichodus lusosso largely left aquarium plants alone, probably as a result of a developed preference for different types of food, which were widely available. The aquarium should in any case better consist of rocks, wood, sand and gravel. A little current is appreciated and some shelters are important. Regular water changes are important for good health. If the nitrate content is too high, eye and skin fungi develop. Cover the aquarium well, as the animals can jump well.

Diet

Distichodus lusosso is primarily a herbivore. The long digestive tract is extremely suitable for digesting plant material. However, their menu is varied. In addition to aquatic plants, the animals feed on crustaceans, worms and detritus from the soil. In the aquarium, there is little that the animals do not eat. Flake food, granulate dry food, frozen food, mosquito larvae, artemia are all eaten. In any case, make sure you have a large vegetable component. Optionally, the animals can be fed with chopped lettuce, corn, young spinach, spirulina, and watercress. Contrary to popular belief, there seems to be no relationship between the intensity of the color of the fish and the diet.

Breeding Longsnout Distichodus

Probably not yet occurred in the aquarium

Video

Author

Patrick de Pijper

Copyright images

AquariumGlaser.de

Last Updated on 27 December 2021 by John