Think Fish - The Tropical Fish Keeping Resource

Fish Database: Discus - Symphysodon sp.

Aquarium requirements

Aquarium suitability: 3/5
Sociability rating: 8/10
Area of tank: Middle, all
Aquarium water conditions: 6-7.5, vs,s,m
Temperature: 26 - 30C
Feeding: Frozen, live foods, dried prepared foods. A varied diet is important
Minimum tank size: 120cm
Min / Max number in tank: Min 4

Fish fact file

Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Synonyms:
Other common names:
Origin: South America; Amazon River basin
Natural habitat: Quiet, heavily vegetated waters
Size: 15cm
Behavior: Peaceful, shoaling, territorial when spawning
Breeding: Egglayer. Eggs are laid and fertilized on a pre-cleaned flat or smooth area. Both parents care for the eggs and fry. The young fry feed on the parent's mucus, which contains a special secretion.
Natural water conditions: pH 4-7, very soft to medium
Sexing: Only possible during spawning

Fish code No.1103

Recently Viewed fish: Discus

The Discus is often referred to as the 'king of aquarium fish' and many fishkeepers dedicate their interest to keeping and breeding these fish. Because of this, there is a great degree of varied information available on the care of these fish, some sources will suggest that only the experts can keep discus correctly whilst others will state that anyone can keep them. What is fact is that they need, in the long term, to be kept in soft water, a varied diet ideally fed at least a few times a day, good general water quality, and should not be kept with boisterous or aggressive fish. On occasion, loaches and algae eaters may try to feed from the discus's mucus, causing damage to the skin, although this is relatively rare. Ideally, Discus should be kept in groups, in large aquariums with other peaceful fish with plenty of open swimming space and a few hiding spots amongst wood or plants. There are several species of Discus, although the commercially bred forms usually contain genetic histories of several species.

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