Red and Black Distichodus 'Lefini River' (Distichodus noboli)

Common Name

Black and Red Distichodus ‘Lefini River’
Distichodus sp. "Black and Red"

A Congo Basin showstopper with a mood lighting trick. In bright light it reads sleek and silvery with dark accents, then in evening calm the body deepens to inky bars with glowing red tones. 

Origin and Habitat

The Lefini River is a right bank tributary of the Congo in the Republic of the Congo. Recent field work along the river documents grassy banks and forested reaches with mixed sand and mud substrates, moderate transparency, and a mosaic of gentle margins and swifter runs. Submerged grasses, roots, and woody structure provide cover and foraging lanes. 

Temperature and Water Conditions

Aim for 24 to 28 Celsius, which is 75 to 82 Fahrenheit, with strong filtration and high oxygen. In the wild the temperature is about 25.5 to 29.8 Celsius in open grassy margins, which is 77.9 to 85.6 Fahrenheit, and about 25.1 to 26.5 Celsius in shaded forest reaches, which is 77.2 to 79.7 Fahrenheit, and the pH is about 5.1 to 6.1 depending on site. We do not recommend chasing or altering water parameters except in special breeding situations. Stable conditions are far more important. Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero, nitrate low, and temperature steady.

Appearance and Size

Adults show a streamlined, deep bodied profile with bold dark banding and a red wash that intensifies at night or when excited. Expect most aquarium specimens of this complex to reach about 15 to 20 centimeters total length, which is about 6 to 8 inches. Verified references list Distichodus noboli to 19 centimeters total length, which is about 7.5 inches. The after dark switch to bright red and deep black is repeatedly noted for Lefini stock.

Diet in the Wild

Members of Distichodus are omnivores with a strong grazing habit. Across the genus, gut studies and reviews report algae and periphyton, soft aquatic plants, seeds and fruits, and small invertebrates such as insect larvae, worms, and crustaceans.

Feeding in Captivity

Use a plant forward rotation that still includes quality protein. Offer spirulina flakes and algae wafers, blanched greens such as zucchini and spinach, and sinking pellets that hold shape. Add two to four protein enrichments per week such as brine shrimp, daphnia, mysis, blackworms, or finely chopped mussel. Feed modest portions two or three times daily so the group stays active without fouling the water.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Active and social, best as a small group or a confident single in a large tank. Plan generous swim length with open water lanes and side structure from rounded stones and wood. A footprint near 120 by 50 centimeters, which is about 48 by 20 inches, is a sensible starting point for juveniles, with larger quarters for adults. They graze, so fine leaved plants may be nibbled. Use tough epiphytes on wood and rock, floating plants for shade, and strong filtration with steady current and high oxygen. Suitable neighbors include larger West African tetras, ropefish, upside down catfish, peaceful cichlids that ignore fast midwater swimmers, and the African brown knifefish (Xenomystus nigri) which glides calmly under the school and makes a perfect contrast.

Breeding

Reproduction is oviparous. Distichodus species release adhesive eggs in open water or over fine vegetation, often linked to seasonal changes in flow and water level. In aquaria spawning is seldom documented. If attempted, condition a group with abundant greens and frequent small live foods, raise temperature toward the upper range, provide calm open space with clumps of fine plants or synthetic mops, and remove adults after spawning to protect eggs. Expect hatching within a few days depending on temperature, then begin fry on infusoria and rotifers before transitioning to newly hatched brine shrimp.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Distichodus noboli
• Common name: Black and Red Distichodus 
• Origin: Lefini River, Republic of the Congo, Congo River Basin
• Adult size: Commonly 15 to 20 cm TL, about 6 to 8 in TL, verified to 19 cm TL, about 7.5 in TL
• Temperature: 24 to 28 C, 75 to 82 F
• pH: About 5.1 to 6.1 recorded in the river, keep stable rather than exact
• Hardness: Soft to moderate, keep very clean with high oxygen
• Temperament: Active schooling characin, assertive grazer
• Diet: Omnivore with herbivorous tendency
• Breeding: Oviparous open water spawner, provide fine plants or mops for eggs

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

Lights on, elegant silver with dark accents. Lights low, the stripes go midnight and the reds glow like taillights. Give them room to cruise, a salad bar to graze, and a few equally confident neighbors, and you get a West African river scene that never sits still. They will sample soft plants, so lean into wood, rock, and anchored epiphytes, and keep the greens on the menu so the hardscape survives. A great companion is the African brown knifefish (Xenomystus nigri). I have never seen Jonny as excited to receive a fish.