{"product_id":"six-barred-distichodus-distichodus-sexfasciatus","title":"Six-Barred Distichodus (Distichodus sexfasciatus)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"102\" data-end=\"299\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eFor the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish exclusively via \u003cstrong data-start=\"171\" data-end=\"191\"\u003eUPS Next Day Air\u003c\/strong\u003e. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"301\" data-end=\"674\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"305\" data-end=\"331\"\u003eSix-Barred Distichodus\u003c\/strong\u003e is a bold, unmistakable African river fish known for its striking vertical banding and powerful presence. Juveniles display crisp black bars over a silvery body, creating dramatic contrast and immediate visual impact. As they mature, these fish develop into large, commanding swimmers that bring true river-fish energy to expansive aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"676\" data-end=\"776\"\u003eThis is not a subtle species—it’s one for aquarists who appreciate \u003cstrong data-start=\"743\" data-end=\"775\"\u003escale, motion, and authority\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"778\" data-end=\"781\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"783\" data-end=\"820\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"787\" data-end=\"820\"\u003eWhat We Love About This Fish:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"821\" data-end=\"1159\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"849\"\u003eHigh-Contrast Banding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bold vertical bars that stand out even in very large aquariums.\u003cbr data-start=\"913\" data-end=\"916\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"918\" data-end=\"939\"\u003ePowerful Swimmer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Constant, purposeful movement typical of large river species.\u003cbr data-start=\"1001\" data-end=\"1004\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"1006\" data-end=\"1034\"\u003eDistinct African Origin:\u003c\/strong\u003e A standout beyond typical community fish.\u003cbr data-start=\"1076\" data-end=\"1079\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"1081\" data-end=\"1104\"\u003eLong-Term Presence:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grows into an impressive, long-lived centerpiece fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"1161\" data-end=\"1164\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1166\" data-end=\"1190\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1170\" data-end=\"1190\"\u003eNatural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1191\" data-end=\"1543\"\u003eSix-Barred Distichodus are native to large rivers and tributaries throughout Central Africa, including the Congo River Basin. These environments feature strong current, open swimming space, submerged wood, and seasonal vegetation. The species is adapted to well-oxygenated water and wide river channels—conditions that should be reflected in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"1545\" data-end=\"1548\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1550\" data-end=\"1570\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1554\" data-end=\"1570\"\u003eAquascaping:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1571\" data-end=\"1734\"\u003eSix-Barred Distichodus require aquariums designed around \u003cstrong data-start=\"1628\" data-end=\"1659\"\u003espace, flow, and durability\u003c\/strong\u003e, prioritizing long, uninterrupted swimming lanes over vertical complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1736\" data-end=\"2102\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1736\" data-end=\"1750\"\u003eHardscape:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1736\" data-end=\"2102\"\u003eHardscape should be sturdy and minimal. Large driftwood pieces, smooth boulders, and rounded river stones create structure without restricting movement. Open sand or fine gravel substrates work best and reflect the broad riverbeds this species inhabits. Avoid delicate décor—this is a strong, active fish that will easily displace unstable elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2104\" data-end=\"2409\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2104\" data-end=\"2115\"\u003ePlants:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2104\" data-end=\"2409\"\u003eLive plants are optional and often temporary. If plants are used, choose hardy, well-anchored species such as Anubias attached securely to wood or rock. Many aquarists opt for a wood-and-stone river layout instead, allowing the fish’s size, patterning, and movement to dominate the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2411\" data-end=\"2696\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2411\" data-end=\"2426\"\u003eBotanicals:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2411\" data-end=\"2696\"\u003eBotanicals such as Indian Almond Leaves or bark may be used sparingly for a natural aesthetic, but water clarity and oxygenation are more important than tannin levels. Strong filtration and consistent water movement are essential to replicate native river conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"2698\" data-end=\"2701\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2703\" data-end=\"2728\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2707\" data-end=\"2728\"\u003eDiet and Feeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2729\" data-end=\"3046\"\u003eSix-Barred Distichodus are omnivores with a strong herbivorous lean. Offer a varied diet that includes high-quality pellets, wafers, and substantial vegetable matter such as spirulina-based foods and blanched greens. Occasional protein sources may be offered, but plant material should make up the bulk of their diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3048\" data-end=\"3051\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3053\" data-end=\"3090\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3057\" data-end=\"3090\"\u003eTank Mates and Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3091\" data-end=\"3376\"\u003eBest suited for \u003cstrong data-start=\"3107\" data-end=\"3147\"\u003elarge, species-appropriate aquariums\u003c\/strong\u003e or African river communities. Compatible tank mates include other robust African fish of similar size and temperament. Avoid small fish that could be viewed as food and overly aggressive species that may cause constant conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3378\" data-end=\"3381\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3383\" data-end=\"3412\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3387\" data-end=\"3412\"\u003eShrimp Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3413\" data-end=\"3480\"\u003eNot compatible. Shrimp and other small invertebrates will be eaten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3482\" data-end=\"3485\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3487\" data-end=\"3504\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3491\" data-end=\"3504\"\u003eBreeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3505\" data-end=\"3700\"\u003eBreeding Six-Barred Distichodus in home aquariums is extremely rare due to their size and riverine spawning requirements. This species is not considered a practical breeding project in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3702\" data-end=\"3705\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3707\" data-end=\"3743\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3711\" data-end=\"3743\"\u003eRecommended Tank Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3744\" data-end=\"3902\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"3746\" data-end=\"3762\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75°–82°F (24°–28°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"3782\" data-end=\"3785\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"3787\" data-end=\"3794\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5–7.8\u003cbr data-start=\"3802\" data-end=\"3805\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"3807\" data-end=\"3814\"\u003eKH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4–12 dKH\u003cbr data-start=\"3823\" data-end=\"3826\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"3828\" data-end=\"3850\"\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 180 gallons (larger strongly recommended as adults)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3904\" data-end=\"3907\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3909\" data-end=\"3933\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3913\" data-end=\"3933\"\u003eCare Guidelines:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3934\" data-end=\"4210\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"3936\" data-end=\"3945\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivorous with heavy plant-matter requirements.\u003cbr data-start=\"3994\" data-end=\"3997\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"3999\" data-end=\"4019\"\u003eSocial Behavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-assertive; best kept with robust tank mates.\u003cbr data-start=\"4069\" data-end=\"4072\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"4074\" data-end=\"4085\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wild-type species\u003cbr data-start=\"4103\" data-end=\"4106\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"4108\" data-end=\"4131\"\u003eAverage Adult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18–24 inches (45–60 cm)\u003cbr data-start=\"4155\" data-end=\"4158\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-start=\"4160\" data-end=\"4186\"\u003eAverage Purchase Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Juveniles (size varies)\u003cstrong data-end=\"4229\" data-start=\"4220\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-end=\"5181\" data-start=\"5178\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\" data-end=\"5214\" data-start=\"5183\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"5214\" data-start=\"5187\"\u003eLive Arrival Guarantee:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" data-end=\"5332\" data-start=\"5215\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eAll Aquatic Arts fish are backed by our \u003cstrong data-end=\"5286\" data-start=\"5255\"\u003e100% Live Arrival Guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e, plus free email support to help you succeed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aquatic Arts","offers":[{"title":"School of 3 (2+\")","offer_id":49069770735769,"sku":"ugi1790044570506","price":80.59,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/5995\/9961\/files\/six-barred-distichodus-distichodus-sexfasciatus_1.jpg?v=1790044574","url":"https:\/\/sweatcladk.shop\/products\/six-barred-distichodus-distichodus-sexfasciatus","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}