Distichodus rufigiensis is a species of freshwater fish in the Distichodontidae family. It is endemic to Tanzania and occurs in the Wami, Rufiji, and Ruvuma River systems. This species is native to a tropical climate. It inhabits rivers and may also colonized reservoirs. It grows to 17 cm (6.7 in) total length. D. rufigiensis is decreasing in population due to the threats of illegal fishing, siltation choking its spawning substrate, and land-based pollution.