Nile Distichodus

Diagnosis: depth of body 2.5-3.5 times in standard length, length of head 3 (in young fishes) to 5 times (in adults) (Ref. 4903). Snout not elongated (Ref. 28714), rounded (Ref. 4903), not or slightly projecting beyond the mouth (Ref. 4903, 28714). Maxilla extending to below the nostrils; upper surface of the head, and the operculum ridged with low, radiating striations (Ref. 4903). Teeth all small and bicuspidate (Ref. 28714), in two series, outer with 24-36 teeth (Ref. 4903). Dorsal fin with 22-26 rays, the first 3-6 unbranched (Ref. 4903). Adipose fin covered with small scales (Ref. 4903, 28714), small, its basal length about 2-4 times its distance from the posterior margin of the dorsal fin (Ref. 28714). Anal fin with 13-15 rays, the first 3-4 unbranched; caudal fin forked, its rounded lobes almost entirely scaled; lateral line with 90-110 scales (Ref. 4903). 18-21 scales between lateral line and dorsal-fin origin (Ref. 4903, 28714). 15-18 scales between insertion of pelvic fin and lateral line (Ref. 4903). Large robust fish as adults (Ref. 28714).Coloration: purplish-silver above, silver below; young fishes with several vertical dark bars on the flank (Ref. 4903).

Spironoura Infestation. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Afrocleidodiscus Disease. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Oviparous (Ref. 205). Distinct pairing occurs (Ref. 205). Males lingering near the nesting site deemed as the closest thing to parental care (Ref. 205).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 22 - 26; Analsoft rays: 13 - 15

Macro-herbivores, feed on submerged water plants, Eichhornia roots and periphyton.

In Lake Albert found in the shallow inshore waters, especially in the region ofdeltas; also in rivers (Ref. 4903). Macro-herbivore, feeds on submerged water plants (Ref. 4903, 28714), Eichornia roots and periphyton (Ref. 28714), but also molluscs and small Crustacea (Ref. 4903). Oviparous (Ref. 205).