Distichodus Sexfasciatus

[zms325i]

Has anyone kept one of these big guys? I recently lost an 11 inch venustus, and was looking to replace him. The LFS has some D. Sexfasciatus, but I can't seem to get a good idea of how big he will get, and how he will fare with african cichlids.

[InEssex]

I have one, its approx 6inches at present. Its more than capable of looking after itself amongst bigger fish and seems to eat anything and everything. Not sure about with ciclids, but I have 6 large leporinus upto about 10 inches which are known for being fine tankmates with agressive african ciclids. A few years ago I had them with some Malwais and they got on ok. When i did my own research I accepted the fact that realistically it could grow to 12", some sources say bigger upto 24" but i'd say thats unrealistic. In my opinion the distochodus Sex is a much nicer fish than the lussoso sp?, and they really do look great in the home aquarium. The only problem its given me was in its first few days, when it decided to stamp its authority by beating up my pangassius (10 inches) and really did ruin its fins, but thanx to melafix this prob was solved and theres been no more incidents.

[InEssex]

although you may want to check this out.

http://www.*****************/catalog_pages/wild/distichodus_p2.htm

[zms325i]

I saw that aquariumfish note, that is why i was so apprehensive. I still am considering the idea, but I am nervous about what I can do if it gets too big, no lfs in my area is going to take a 12"+ fish for me.

[InEssex]

I think you probably have answered your own question then. I personally believe its fine to have a fish which you know will get too big aslong as you are prepared to upgrade your tank or have something in mind for the fish down the line, such a a lfs that has the facilities or another big tank somewhere. If you know that you wont be able to do the right thing for it further down the line then probably best to forget it, it can be very surprising sometimes how quick these fish can get very big. One of my local shops has a red tailed catfish/tiger shovel nose cross breed, its beautiful, very much like the fish referred to in the thread regarding the shard of clay pot that had to be removed from the fish's stomach. Its only 6 inches or so now but ive seen people say that these fish can get to 20" in the space of a year, ive seen my 3 smallest leporinus grow from an inch to 8" in a year also. Its comendable that youve done your research first to avoid any future probs.

Steve

[N8DOGG]

InEssex very nice fish and tank pics. How large is your tank?

[InEssex]

I THINK its about 106 US Gallons.

[InEssex]

theres a couple more pics in the 'lets see some pics' thread.