Six-banded Distichodus

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Congo River basin and Lake Tanganyika (rare). Populates the bottoms of large African rivers with strong currents, rich in debris and submerged banks full of foliage.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Six-Banded Distichodus (Distichodus sexfasciatus). Monumental characin, reaches impressive weights and dimensions. Very high and compressed body; stocky and flattened snout (unlike the lusosso).

Social Behavior: Juveniles (colorful and active) form schools, adults (gray and massive) become torpid but extremely aggressive and intolerant both towards their own species and towards competing bottom fish.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Similar to its cousin lusosso when young: bright orange with six strong black stripes, but short snout. As it grows (from 20 cm / 8 inches upwards) the livery fades into a sad bronze or mud green, and the stripes get lost.

Aquarium Setup: Monstrous: no less than 250 cm (100 inches) of tank and over 1000 liters (260 gallons) to house a 70 cm (28 inch) adult! Zero plants (it is a lawnmower). Immovable trunks and heavy smooth rocks. The jump of an adult is frightening and can smash lids.

Diet and Feeding: Very strong vegetarian imprint. Gorges on oak leaves, frozen peas, spinach, cucumbers, lettuce and spirulina in industrial quantities. Animal proteins (krill, pellets) should be administered sparingly.

Water Quality: The amount of feces produced by these "water bison" requires filtration systems designed for large ray tanks (huge sumps) and titanic water changes.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Can be paired, only if you have a gigantic tank, with other giants (Arowana, Datnioides, knife fish of the genus Chitala). Will kill small fish or decimate them incidentally by swimming.

Aquarium Reproduction: Impossible in home aquariums. Occurs, in nature, during the flooding periods of African rivers.

Risks and Diseases: They suffer from severe intestinal infection (fatal) if kept on exclusive diets of beef heart. The main risk is finding yourself having to manage an unmanageable fish due to its size.