Distichodus rufigiensis Norman, 1922
photo by JJPhoto

Family:  Distichodontidae (Distichodus)
Max. size:  17 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: Wami, Rufigi and Ruvuma systems (Ref. 7094).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19-20; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 14-15. Description: Depth of body 2.25-2.50 in length; length of head 4.25-4.50 (Ref. 130265). Caudal peduncle much deeper than long (Ref. 130265). Head as long as deep, about twice as long as broad; snout not compressed, projecting beyond mouth, its length 1-1.33 times diameter of eye, which is 3.25-4.00 in length of head and 1.33-2.00 in interorbital width; maxillary extending to below nostril; teeth in 2 series in both jaws, 20-25 in outer series of upper jaw (Ref. 130265). Gill-rakers on lower part of anterior arch 15 (Ref. 130265).Dorsal fin with 19-20 rays, including 4 unbranched rays, equally distant from occiput and caudal fin, or a little nearer latter; longest rays distinctly longer than head; adipose fin moderately large, separated from rayed dorsal fin by a space equal to 2/3 the base of the latter; anal fin with 14-15 rays, including 3 unbranched rays, base 2/3 base of dorsal fin; pectoral fin 3/4 to 4/5 length of head, shorter than pelvic fins; caudal fin forked, upper lobe pointed and slightly longer than lower, which is rounded (Ref. 130265). Scales in a longitudinal series 62-65; 11-12 scales from origin of dorsal fin to lateral line (Ref. 130265).

Colouration: With 10-14 more or less distinct but broken vertical bars on sides of body, ending below lateral line; a black spot on caudal peduncle; caudal fin with a somewhat broad pale margin; dorsal fin spotted, with numerous black dots (Ref. 4967, 130265)

Biology:  Inhabits rivers (Ref. 4967).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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