DISTICHODUS .SP BLACK AND RED LEFINI RIVER

Another rare, and largely undescribed freshwater specimen is D. sp. “Red and Black”, more commonly referred to as “Watermelon Distichodus”. The Wet Spot’s wild specimens come from a tributary of the Congo River in the Republic of the Congo known as the Lefini River. In captivity, these fish can reach 16 inches in length at maturity with shiny golden bodies, red lips, eyes and fins, with a dark black strip on the dorsal fin making it resemble a watermelon. While juvenile specimens do well in shoals or with similarly sized tank-mates, as they mature, they become more aggressive and territorial and not well suited for most  community tanks. They can be kept in large enclosures with hardy catfish, bichirs, characins, and cyprinids. Tank set ups should include sand or gravel substrate, smooth rocks, driftwood, light water flow, and tight fitting lids to prevent jump-escapes. Aquatic plants will often be eaten by these species, and should not be included. These fish are omnivorous in nature and should be fed a variety of foods from earthworms to spirulina. Waters should be maintained with temperatures of 72 to 79°F, pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and hardness of 71 to 143 ppm.