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Scientific Name: Symphysodon discus, Symphysodon aequifasciatus

Type: Freshwater

Size: 8" (20cm) diameter

Tank Size Needed (Minimum): 40 gallons (150L)

Water pH: 5.5 to 6.5

Water Hardness: Soft (0-5 dH)

Temperature: 80-86°F (26-30°C)

Origin: South America – Amazon River, Columbia, and Peru

Social: Does best in a pair or school. Will successfully live with other non-aggressive fish, particularly Hatchets, Pencils, and Tetras that like very warm water.  

Life span: 10+ years

Diet: Carnivore. Prefers live or frozen food (bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill, small insects). Some will learn to eat pellet or flake food, but only if bred in captivity.

Difficulty Rating: Advanced

Comments: Discus fish are very colorful but somewhat difficult to keep. A cichlid fish, they have a flat body similar to an Angel fish, though more rounded and with curved fins. There are two main species of discus, the red and the blue. Because the two species can be bred together, the variety of discus hybrids, colors, and patterns produced by breeders is stunning. Some of these include leopard spots, vertical stripes, horizontal stripes, snakeskin patterns, solid colors and solids with patches of spots, all in colors from tangerine to sky blue, from green to red.

Though these fish are beautiful in an aquarium, they are not for beginners. Some are difficult to feed and will refuse to eat new foods. Discus fish tend to be delicate and will easily contract diseases if the water in the aquarium is less than perfect. Frequent water changes are required (some experts recommend 20% daily), as are warm temperatures. Breeders recommend monthly worming as well, to keep the fish as healthy as possible. Some captive-raised discus fish will adapt to harder water but most prefer very soft water. A large aquarium is necessary, especially if keeping more than one discus. An absolute minimum of 10 gallons (38L) per discus is recommended, preferably more.

Also, this fish is much happier in a community tank where there are no larger, more aggressive fish for it to cope with. Discus fish can be nervous and shy. They do better with low light in the aquarium, along with plenty of plants and other aquarium furnishings for security.

Breeding discus fish is very difficult, but once the babies are born, breeders can observe one of the most unique traits of this fish: the young feed off the mucus produced on the scales of their parents.