Six Banded Distichodus

Distichodus sexfasciatus

Six Banded Distichodus is a middle swimmer. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.

AggressiveMiddle swimmerSolitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional contextIntermediate – Advanced

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 29.9" (≤ 76 cm)
Aquarium size: 342 US gal (1296 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Aggressive
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 10–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years
Group behavior: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 342 US gal (1296 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 10–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Six Banded Distichodus is aggressive and needs carefully selected companions.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Six Banded Distichodus should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 342 US gal (1296 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Avacado Pufferfish Auriglobus modestus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Black Sharkminnow Labeo chrysophekadion Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 35.4" (≤ 90 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) African Banded Barb Barbus fasciolatus Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Altifron Eartheater Geophagus altifrons Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar diet Intermediate ≤ 8.9" (≤ 22.5 cm) 79–90°F (26–32°C)

FAQ

How large does Six Banded Distichodus get?

Six Banded Distichodus reaches ≤ 29.9" (≤ 76 cm). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Six Banded Distichodus need?

Use an aquarium of at least 342 US gal (1296 L) or larger / ≥ 94.5" (≥ 240 cm) minimum length.

Is Six Banded Distichodus peaceful?

Six Banded Distichodus should be planned cautiously with compatible fish only, because aggressive behavior can limit companion options.

What temperature is suitable for Six Banded Distichodus?

Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.

Should Six Banded Distichodus be kept alone or in a group?

Six Banded Distichodus: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.