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Koller's distichodus (Distichodus kolleri) — Distichodontidae

Koller's distichodus

Distichodus kolleri
LC · Least Concern

The Koller's distichodus (Distichodus kolleri) is a freshwater fish of the family Distichodontidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
19.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
West-Central Africa; endemic to the Sanaga river system in Cameroon.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

Koller's distichodus is an African characiform (Distichodontidae) from rivers and floodplains of the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery to brownish body with a small head and an adipose fin. As a mainly plant-eating fish it grazes water plants, algae and biofilm and sometimes snaps at small invertebrates. It is locally a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Koller's distichodus?

The Koller's distichodus has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deep body with a small, inferior mouth and a long gut for a plant diet.

Where does the Koller's distichodus live?

The Koller's distichodus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. West-Central Africa; endemic to the Sanaga river system in Cameroon.

How big does the Koller's distichodus get?

The Koller's distichodus grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Koller's distichodus dangerous to humans?

No, the Koller's distichodus is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Koller's distichodus edible?

The Koller's distichodus is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Koller's distichodus sourced
Scientific name
Distichodus kolleri
Family
Distichodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
19.5 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) 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
Natural range
West-Central Africa; endemic to the Sanaga river system in Cameroon. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Aquatic plants, algae, biofilm and detritus sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Deep body with a small, inferior mouth and a long gut for a plant diet. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Fishing with plant bait or paste bait on a bottom or float rig. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
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 Distichodus

More from the family Distichodontidae

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