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Eetveld's distichodontid (Eugnathichthys eetveldii) — Distichodontidae

Eetveld's distichodontid

Eugnathichthys eetveldii
LC · Least Concern

The Eetveld's distichodontid (Eugnathichthys eetveldii) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 29 cm.

Length
29 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Widespread in the Congo basin in Central Africa, from the lower reaches to the upper Lualaba.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

Eugnathichthys eetveldii is an African characiform (family Distichodontidae) widespread in the Congo basin. The species grows to about 29 cm and has an elongate, silvery body. It lives pelagically in fresh waters of rivers and associated waters in the tropical lowlands. Its food is expected to consist of aquatic invertebrates and plant matter, consistent with the relatively low trophic position of the group. The species is harmless to humans and is of only minor fishery value. Little is known in detail about its reproduction and lifespan.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Eetveld's distichodontid?

The Eetveld's distichodontid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Elongate African distichodontid from the Congo basin.

Where does the Eetveld's distichodontid live?

The Eetveld's distichodontid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Widespread in the Congo basin in Central Africa, from the lower reaches to the upper Lualaba.

How big does the Eetveld's distichodontid get?

The Eetveld's distichodontid grows to a maximum of about 29 cm.

Is the Eetveld's distichodontid dangerous to humans?

No, the Eetveld's distichodontid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Eetveld's distichodontid edible?

The Eetveld's distichodontid is rarely eaten.

More photos

Eetveld's distichodontid (Eugnathichthys eetveldii) — Distichodontidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Fish and Benthos survey Chinko, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Eetveld's distichodontid sourced
Scientific name
Eugnathichthys eetveldii
Family
Distichodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
29.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
Widespread in the Congo basin in Central Africa, from the lower reaches to the upper Lualaba. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Aquatic invertebrates and plant material sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Elongate African distichodontid from the Congo basin. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Angling with lures or (dead/live) baitfish by trolling, casting or drift fishing in open water. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Eugnathichthys

More from the family Distichodontidae

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