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Dwarf distichodus (Distichodus decemmaculatus) — Distichodontidae

Dwarf distichodus

Distichodus decemmaculatus
LC · Least Concern

The Dwarf distichodus (Distichodus decemmaculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The tenspot distichodus is an African characiform (Distichodontidae) from the Congo basin in Central Africa. It is a dwarf species among the distichodus, with a deep, laterally compressed body and a row of dark spots on the flank, to which the name refers. It lives in calm, vegetated parts of rivers and streams. As an omnivore with a preference for plant food it grazes on algae and soft aquatic plants and eats small invertebrates. It is popular in the aquarium hobby and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf distichodus?

The Dwarf distichodus has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Dwarf distichodus live?

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

How big does the Dwarf distichodus get?

The Dwarf distichodus grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Dwarf distichodus dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf distichodus is harmless to humans.

Is the Dwarf distichodus edible?

The Dwarf distichodus is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Tienvlek-distichodus sourced
English name
Dwarf distichodus verified
Scientific name
Distichodus decemmaculatus
Family
Distichodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Distichodus

More from the family Distichodontidae

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