The Longsnout Distichodus (Distichodus lusosso) is a freshwater fish species native to the Congo River Basin in Africa. It is recognized for its elongated snout and distinctive coloration, featuring a golden body with several vertical dark bands, though it tends to lose much of its vibrant coloration as it matures.
Physical Characteristics:
This species can grow up to 38 centimeters (15 inches) in length. Its body is adorned with 6 to 8 vertical dark bars that persist throughout its lifespan, and it possesses a notably elongated snout.
Habitat and Distribution:
The Longsnout Distichodus is widespread throughout the Congo River Basin, from the lower Congo to the upper Lualaba River, but is absent from the Luapula-Moero system. It thrives in tropical freshwater environments with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 26°C.
Diet:
An omnivorous species, D. lusosso feeds on soft vegetation, such as new shoots and leaves, as well as worms and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates. In captivity, it requires a diet that includes a significant amount of vegetable matter to maintain health.
Aquarium Care:
Due to its potential size and dietary habits, the Longsnout Distichodus requires a spacious aquarium with ample swimming space and robust filtration. It is generally recommended to keep this species either singly or in larger groups (10 or more individuals) to mitigate aggressive behaviors. However, in smaller groups, they may exhibit pugnacious tendencies towards conspecifics. Additionally, they are known to consume or uproot aquatic plants, making them unsuitable for planted aquariums.
Behavior:
While D. lusosso is a schooling fish in the wild, in aquarium settings, individuals can become quite aggressive and may harass or even kill tankmates, especially as they mature. Therefore, careful consideration of tankmates is essential to ensure compatibility.
Reproduction:
Breeding of the Longsnout Distichodus in captivity is currently undocumented, and specific protocols for successful reproduction are not well-established.
