Distichodus petersii Pfeffer, 1896
Distichodus petersii
photo by FAO

Family:  Distichodontidae (Distichodus)
Max. size:  45 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: Ruvu, Rufiji and Ruvuma systems (Ref. 4967, 7094).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-22; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 16-16. Description: Depth of body 2.16-2.50 times in total length; length of head 3.66 times in total length (Ref. 1878). Caudal peduncle much deeper than long (Ref. 1878). Head a little longer than deep, twice as long as broad; snout rounded, not compressed, projecting little beyond mouth, as long as eye, which is 3.5 times in length of head and about 1.5 times in interorbital width; maxillary extending to below nostrils; teeth in 2 series in each jaw, outer series containing 22-24 teeth (Ref. 1878). Dorsal fin with 22 rays, including 4-5 unbranched rays, equally distant from occiput and from caudal, its base 2.5 times its distance from adipose fin; anal fin with 16 rays, including 3-4 unbranched rays; pectoral fin 2/3 length of head; caudal forked, lobes obtusely pointed (Ref. 1878). Scales in lateral series 68-75, 13-14 scales between lateral line and root of pelvic fin (Ref. 1878).

Colouration: Silvery, back darker (Ref. 1878). Large black shoulder spot, on the lateral line above the pectoral fin; dorsal fin spotted (Ref. 1878, 4967).

Biology:  Maximum TL was recorded at 44.5 cm (Ref. 7094).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 (A2bd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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