Six-Banded Distichodus (Distichodus sexfasciatus)

Fish in the family Distichodontidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameDistichodus sexfasciatus

FamilyDistichodontidae

Also known asSixbar Distichodus, Clown Distichodus

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

Dietherbivore

Adult size24 in

Minimum tank size180 gallons

Water parametersTemp 73-82°F, pH 6.0-7.5, GH 3-18 dGH

Appearance

Juveniles are vivid red-orange with six bold black bands; adults grow huge, darken, and lose the contrast.

Difficulty and care for the Six-Banded Distichodus

Hard

Origin and habitat

Africa (Congo basin, Lake Tanganyika)

Keeper notes

Grows very large and turns territorial and aggressive with age; the bright juvenile appearance hides a tank-busting adult.

Log Six-Banded Distichodus in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Six-Banded Distichodus alongside everything else in your reef.

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