Care
The Long-nosed Distichodus has a widespread area of natural distribution throughout the Congo River basin, from the lower Congo River and eastwards to the upper Lualaba River. This is a large sized characin that requires an aquarium at least 6ft long with powerful filtration to match. Juvenile fish grow quickly, so spacious quarters are required from the outset. Ideally there will be an open swimming space along the front of the tank, with plenty of hiding places amongst smooth rocks and driftwood towards the back. Substrate type is unimportant, gravel or sand may be used. Long-nosed Distichodus are omnivorous and will eat soft leaved plants, so they are not a good choice for planted aquaria. However, more robust species that can be tied onto the decor, such as Anubias sp, Bolbitis sp, and Java Fern (Microsorum) are often ignored, and will make the tank more aesthetically pleasing. Filtration should be efficient with a moderate - but not overpowering - water flow, and a good level of oxygenation. As a riverine species, these fish will not tolerate a high nitrate level; ensure partial water changes are carried out on a frequent basis to help keep organic wastes to a minimum. Long-nosed Distichodus can behave somewhat unpredictably in the aquarium, with some accepting other large, robust tankmates, and others not tolerating them at all. In voluminous aquaria, juveniles may be kept in groups, but usually as they mature they become increasingly aggressive towards conspecifics and will have to be separated for their own safety. For this reason, it is often better to house just one per tank, allowing it to grow up alongside other large fish that can look after themselves - but do observe carefully. Possible companions could include other large characins (but not other Distichodus species), sizeable cyprinids, large armoured catfish and the like. Ensure that the tank has a heavy, tight fitting lid, as these fish are expert jumpers. This fish is similar in appearance to the Six-bar Distichodus (D. sexfasciatus); however, the Long-nosed Distichodus attains a smaller adult size and is more slender in appearance with the noticeably longer snout.
Feeding
Long-nosed Distichodus are omnivorous and require a variety of foodstuffs, both meaty and vegetable-based, appropriate to their size. Smaller specimens will enjoy bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, and Spirulina/vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, plus small sinking pellets and good quality flake/crisps. Move on to bigger foodstuffs such as Mysis shrimp, krill, prawns, chopped mussel meat, larger sinking pellets etc as the fish grow. Do remember to include a vegetable component to the diet for best long-term health.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
