Distichodus rufigiensis is a species of freshwater fish in the family Distichodontidae.

It is endemic to Tanzania and occurs in the Wami, Rufiji, and Ruvuma River systems.

[1][5] This species is native to a tropical climate.

[1] It grows to 17 cm (6.7 in) total length.

[5] D. rufigiensis is decreasing in population due to the threats of illegal fishing, siltation choking its spawning substrate, and land-based pollution.