Discherodontus Schroederi

Datasheet

General Description

Discherodontus schroederi, a species within the Cyprinidae family, is characterized by its poorly-documented nature in the aquarium trade due to its delicate shipping requirements. The genus Discherodontus was established by Roberts in 1989 to unite several species, distinguished by possessing two rows of pharyngeal teeth. These fish are closely related to genera such as Chagunius and Hypselobarbus, exhibiting specific morphological characteristics including the presence of a vent located anteriorly on the body and dark pigmentation on the tips of fins.

Aquarium Setup

For Discherodontus schroederi, it is advisable to maintain them in a tank resembling a flowing river, complete with a substrate of rocks, gravel, driftwood, and large boulders. The addition of hardy plant species like Microsorum or Anubias is recommended, along with bright lighting to encourage algae growth for grazing. Water quality is crucial, necessitating regular 30-50% water changes and high dissolved oxygen levels. The fish prefer stable water conditions and should be acclimatized slowly to new environments.

Behaviour

Known for their peaceful nature, Discherodontus schroederi thrives in the lower regions of a tank and should be housed with non-aggressive species. They are schooling fish, displaying their best colors when kept in groups of at least six individuals. In community tanks, they exhibit natural behaviors and contribute to a visually appealing aquatic display.

Feeding and Diet

In their natural habitat, Discherodontus species primarily feed on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. In an aquarium setting, they should be offered a diet consisting of live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, Daphnia, and Artemia, supplemented with high-quality dried flakes and granules. These fish are also known to browse on biofilm found on rocks in river-style setups.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

There is limited information available regarding the reproduction of Discherodontus schroederi. Sexually mature females are typically thicker-bodied and slightly larger than males. Juvenile D. schroederi can be distinguished from D. ashmeadi by the fading dark dorsal blotch as they mature, along with longer barbels compared to other species within the genus.

Habitat and Distribution

Native to the Mae Klong and Chao Phraya river basins in Thailand, Discherodontus schroederi inhabits clear, fast-flowing rivers and forest streams. They are often found in areas with submerged roots, emergent plant parts, and leaf litter. Variations in morphology have been noted between specimens from different drainages, suggesting localized adaptations within their natural habitat.