Marc Towers: I am curious to hear from those on the group with regards to 'Distichodus sp.' growth potential. I know I am talking about a large number of species in the genus, but what is the generally accepted scientific wisdom of how large this genus can grow to in the wild, and the largest species therein? I have encountered specimens to 13 kgs (I think D. rostratus) here in the Volta Lake in Ghana - I am just curious as to 'how much bigger' they can realistically get?
Jouke Vdz That is a bit heavier than mentioned in Fishbase (76cm, 6.3k) based on Daget, J. and J.-P. Gosse, 1984. Distichodontidae. p. 184-211. In J. Daget, J.-P. Gosse and D.F.E. Thys van den Audenaerde (eds.) Check-list of the freshwater fishes of Africa (CLOFFA). ORSTOM, Paris and MRAC, Tervuren. Vol. 1.
Marc Towers:I must admit I don't give too much relevance to what literature is available for lesser known species. It's often so far out that it's not relevant. Another example would be Hydrocynus brevis - of which the maximum size in literature is also 'far off the mark' in my view/from personal experience. Hence wondered if any collectors in their travels had encountered specimens, and if so, what upper end sizes.
Carl Huchzermeyer:Your specific location- around aquaculture cages in a fishing exclusion zone- means you're probably seeing fish at their maximum sizes and ages. Unless they have extremely long lifespans (50+) and are totally resident (i.e. not being fished out in adjacent waters), then in theory they should continue to grow and grow as most fish never really stop...
(FB 1-Jan-2024)
