Imagine having a colorful piece of the Amazon River right in your fish tank. That’s what Discus fish offer to fish lovers. They’re famous for their bright colors and fancy patterns, and people all around the world love them.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to Discus fish.
I’ll talk about where they come from, what makes them special, and how to take care of them in your own aquarium.
Whether you’re new to fishkeeping or a seasoned pro, join me as we explore the world of Discus fish and discover why they’re so popular among fish enthusiasts.
| Common name(s) | Discus fish, Pompadour fish |
| Binomial name | Symphysodon aequifasciatus (blue discus or brown discus), S. discus (red discus or heckle discus), S. tarzoo (green discus) |
| Care Level | Intermediate |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Size range – lenght | 5-9 inches |
| Water parameters | Temp 82-86°F (28-30°C) pH 6.0–6.8 Hardness 3-7 dGH |
| Tank level | Middle |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Breeding | Mouthbrooders |
| Tank mates | Siamese Algae Eater, Dwarf Gouramis , Harlequin Rasbora, Rummy Nose Tetra, Cardinal Tetra, Pencil Fish, Corydoras Catfish, German Blue Ram Cichlids, Rainbow Fish, White Cloud Mountain Minnow, Bloodfin Tetra, Angelfish |
Origin
Discus fish, known scientifically as Symphysodon, are a genus of cichlids native to the Amazon River basin in South America.
Their vibrant colors and distinctive shape have made them a popular choice among aquarists worldwide.
The origins of discus fish trace back to the diverse and complex ecosystem of the Amazon, where they have adapted to thrive in its varied water conditions.
The Amazon River, with its extensive network of tributaries and floodplains, offers a rich habitat for these fish, characterized by soft, acidic water and a plethora of hiding spots provided by submerged tree roots and vegetation.
In the wild, discus fish are found primarily in slow-moving or still waters, which include floodplain lakes and tributaries of the main river.
These environments offer protection from predators and a rich supply of food. Their diet mainly consists of small invertebrates and plant matter, which contributes to their unique coloration.
Size
In the wild, discus fish usually grow to about 5 to 6 inches, but when they live in fish tanks, they can get bigger, up to 9 inches.
Sexual dimorphism in discus fish is subtle but present, with males usually growing to be slightly larger than females.
This difference is often more pronounced in fully matured fish and can be one of the few visual cues aquarists use to differentiate between the sexes.
If you take good care of discus fish in a fish tank, they can live for a really long time, like 10 to 15 years. They don’t live as long in rivers and lakes because other animals can eat them.
Availability
The cost of discus fish in the United States reflects their specialty status and the varying factors such as color rarity, size, and age.
Retailers like Live Aquaria offer discus fish ranging from $48.99 to $239.99, with wild red spotted green discus, a collector’s choice, priced at $199.99, and more common turquoise discus at $69.99.
Discus Madness lists them between $40 to $179, while Discus Guy offers them from $17.95 up to $185.94.
The age and size of the fish significantly influence the price. Discus fish mature slowly, reaching adult size around 2 to 2.5 years, and their longevity in captivity can extend to 15 years.
A two-month-old discus might measure just two inches, while a two-year-old could be 6.5 inches.
Younger, smaller discus can be 30 to 50 percent cheaper than adults, but for breeding or showcasing purposes, mature fish are preferable to ensure established coloration.
Appearance and Sex Differences
The discus fish is distinguished by its distinct body shape, being laterally flattened and nearly circular in outline.
Wild types display a coloration that blends browns and greens, often with not-so-conspicuous dark vertical stripes.
In the aquarium setting, decades of selective breeding have produced many vibrant color forms, including red, blue, yellow, orange, and even white varieties, each with its own commercial name.
Experts categorize them into 11 groups, including the well-known Heckel discus.
The classification of discus fish has been redefined to simplify the standards and make them more understandable for enthusiasts. This classification system includes eleven groups labeled from A to K:
- Heckel (Group A): Known for their distinguished stripe patterns.
- Brown (Group B): Typically brown discus.
- Blue (Group C): Includes discus with blue coloration.
- Green (Group D): Comprises discus with greenish hues.
- Turquoise with a pattern (Group E): This group has merged the Striped turquoise and Red turquoise, focusing on fish with clear longitudinal lines across the body and fins
- Turquoise-blue (Group F): Assesses discus with a blue turquoise or bluish body color without much pattern.
- Solid red (Group G): For discus with uniform red body color and those with black outlines on fins, like the Red melon and Red White.
- Fine Patterned (Group H): Contains fish with fine patterns, including the Snake skin and some Pigeon blood varieties.
- Coarse Patterned (Group I): For discus with thick linear patterns, large dots, or spots, like Pigeon blood and “Ring” color form.
- Spotted (Group J): Includes discus with small dots patterned across the body
- Not classified/Unclassified (Group K ): For discus that do not fit into other groups due to unique color combinations or patterns.
Sexing discus is a controversial topic among breeders.
Males may be slightly larger, more colorful, and have more pronounced facial features, but these characteristics are subtle and often indistinguishable.
When it comes to breeding, sexual differences become more apparent.
Males generally develop longer and more pointed breeding tubes, while females have breeding tubes that are shorter and blunter.
During the spawning process, these breeding tubes are used for the deposition and fertilization of eggs.
Observing these behaviors and physical changes during the breeding season is often the most reliable method for sexing discus fish.
Behavior
Discus fish are known for being calm and like to stick together. They usually move around slowly and enjoy being with other discus fish.
When they are kept in a tank, they figure out who is in charge and create a kind of order among themselves.
But even though some fish are in charge, discus fish don’t usually fight.
They need warm water that’s a bit soft and not too acidic, just like their home in the Amazon River.
If the water in their tank changes too much or isn’t right, they can get nervous and try to hide.
During the day, discus fish are busy swimming around and looking for food, but they rest when it’s dark.
In their tank, discus fish like to have their own special spots where they feel safe.
They often choose places where there are plants or wood to hide around.
Watching discus fish can be fun and interesting because they have their own ways of doing things and taking care of each other.
When considering tankmates for discus, the best choices are those that mirror their own peaceful nature.
Slow-moving species that are not in direct competition for food, and that will not inadvertently intimidate the discus, are ideal.
Such companions help maintain the balance and harmony of the aquarium, allowing the discus to thrive and exhibit their best natural behaviors.
Care
Introducing Discus fish into your aquarium requires careful consideration of their specific needs, particularly because they are sensitive to changes in their environment.
What are some steps to help them acclimate to your tank?
Ask the fish store about the origin of the Discus. Knowing whether they are wild-caught or captive-bred is crucial, as their care requirements can differ significantly.
Discus fish are particularly sensitive to water conditions. Match your tank’s water parameters (such as pH, temperature, and hardness) as closely as possible to the conditions they were kept in at the store or their natural habitat.
Gradually acclimate the Discus to your tank. This can be done by slowly mixing tank water with the water in the bag they came in over a period of several hours.
This gradual process helps reduce shock from sudden changes in water conditions.
Ensure your tank is well-established and stable. Discus prefer a clean, well-filtered tank with plenty of space to swim. They also appreciate hiding spots like plants or driftwood.
Feed them a diet similar to what they received at the store initially, then gradually introduce new foods. Discus thrive on a varied diet that includes high-quality pellets, frozen foods, and live foods.
Keep a close eye on the Discus during the initial period after introduction. Watch for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in eating habits or coloration.
Maintain high water quality with regular water changes and good filtration. Discus are sensitive to nitrates and other water pollutants.
Discus fish are schooling fish that should be kept in groups for their well-being.
To nurture their social behavior, it’s advisable to keep them in groups of at least 6-8 individuals.
These fish display their full spectrum of social interactions only within a larger group.
Contrary to common misconceptions, discus fish can be kept with other small, peaceful fish species that have similar environmental needs.
It has also been noted that the company of small schooling fish, such as characins, can substantially decrease the discus fish’s natural timidity.
If you’re new to keeping Discus, consider consulting with experienced aquarists or joining forums and groups dedicated to Discus care for additional tips and support.
Tank Requirements
Discus fish are best kept in water conditions that closely resemble their natural Amazonian habitat.
They require a tank with a capacity of over 75 gallons to accommodate their size and active swimming behavior. The ideal temperature for their well-being ranges between 82-86°F (28-30°C).
A widely accepted guideline for stocking discus fish is the “one discus per 10-gallon” rule. This helps enthusiasts to gauge how many fish can be comfortably housed in their aquarium assuming it is at least 75 gallons.
This ratio is especially useful for those deeply invested in the care of these fish, allowing for precise planning of tank size and population.
Water hardness should be soft, with a degree of general hardness (dGH) between 3-7, and the pH level should be slightly acidic, from 6.0 to 6.8.
In their natural environment, discus fish are accustomed to the shelter provided by submerged branches and tree roots, which also facilitate the growth of biofilm and algae, serving as a food source.
To simulate these conditions in captivity, it is recommended to include similar structures within the aquarium, such as driftwood and a bed layer mimicking the river floor covered with leaves, while also ensuring an abundance of food.
For a discus fish aquarium, the recommended substrate includes sand, pebbles, or smooth-surfaced rocks. These substrates emulate the natural riverbeds of the Amazon Basin where discus originate, providing a comfortable and familiar environment.
Sand is particularly beneficial as it allows for natural foraging behavior and is gentle on the fish’s delicate barbels.
The aquarium should be equipped with efficient biological filtration to handle the waste produced by these large fish and ensure clean, oxygen-rich water.
Lighting should be subdued to replicate the dappled light of their native, densely canopied waters, and to encourage the growth of aquatic plants that can tolerate higher water temperatures.
The addition of floating plants can provide shade and help to diffuse the light further.
Regular and generous water changes are crucial to maintain water quality and to replicate the clean, flowing water of the Amazon River.
To maintain optimal water quality in a discus fish tank, it is recommended to perform weekly water changes, replacing 25% of the tank’s volume
These changes also help in controlling nitrates and preventing disease.
Following these detailed care requirements will help ensure that discus fish remain healthy and display their best colors and behaviors.
Diseases
Discus fish, like any other pet, they are prone to various health issues.
Understanding and identifying these diseases is crucial for any discus fish keeper.
Ich
One common ailment is Ichthyophthirius Multifiliis, commonly known as “Ich” or white spot disease.
It’s caused by a protozoan parasite. Affected fish exhibit white spots, resembling grains of salt, on their skin, gills, and fins.
They may also show signs of irritation, such as rubbing against objects.
Early detection and treatment are vital, as severe infestations can be fatal.
Hexamita
Another notable condition is Hexamita, often linked to the infamous “Hole in the Head” disease.
This parasitic infection leads to lesions or pits on the fish’s head and body.
Poor water quality and nutrition often exacerbate this condition.
Key to prevention is maintaining a clean tank and a balanced diet.
Bacterial infections
Bacterial infections also pose a significant threat to discus fish.
These can manifest as fin rot, where the edges of the fins disintegrate, or as more systemic infections causing lethargy, loss of appetite, and abnormal swimming behavior.
Immediate isolation and treatment of affected fish are essential to prevent the spread of the infection.
Fungal infections
Fungal infections, though less common, can occur, especially in poorly maintained aquariums.
These infections present as cotton-like growths on the fish’s skin, mouth, or fins.
Good tank hygiene and prompt treatment are the best defense against fungal outbreaks.
Tank Mates
Creating a Discus fish tank is a rewarding experience, but it’s important to select the right tank mates.
Imagine living in a room with someone who’s always loud and messy, when you like quiet and order.
That’s how discus fish feel with the wrong tank mates. They need calm, friendly fish so they can relax and be themselves.
Discus fish prefer calm, non-aggressive companions.
Ideal mates include:
- Siamese Algae Eater
- Dwarf Gouramis
- Harlequin Rasbora
- Rummy Nose Tetra
- Cardinal Tetra
- Pencil Fish
- Corydoras Catfish
- German Blue Ram Cichlids
- Rainbow Fish
- White Cloud Mountain Minnow
- Bloodfin Tetras
- Angelfish
When choosing tank mates, consider their temperament, size, feeding habits, and environmental needs to ensure a harmonious aquarium.
Diet
Discus fish are best fed with specialized foods that are widely available in the market, which may include ingredients like beef heart, turkey heart, fruits, krill, spirulina, granules, vitamins, and garlic, which helps prevent parasites.
Many experienced fish keepers prepare their own unique recipes for discus food, which are often kept secret.
It’s important to feed discus small amounts multiple times a day, ensuring a varied diet.
Any uneaten food should be promptly removed to maintain water quality and prevent health issues.
As discus are sensitive it’s also crucial to be cautious with live foods, which can introduce diseases to the tank.
One crucial aspect of caring for Discus fish is ensuring that even the smallest among them get their fair share of food. While feeding them, keep a close eye on their behavior.
If you notice some Discus not getting enough to eat, try spreading the food around the tank.
This way, all the fish have an equal chance to reach their nutrition, promoting a healthy and harmonious environment.
To keep your Discus fish in the best shape, be sure to vary their diet.
Alongside bloodworms, consider offering them tropical fish flakes, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, and shrimp pellets.
This diversity ensures they receive a well-rounded mix of nutrients, mimicking their natural diet and keeping them happy.
Breeding
Breeding discus fish is an intricate and specialized process that requires careful attention to a variety of factors to ensure success.
The first step is selecting a healthy, well-matched pair, preferably of a similar size.
It’s advisable to provide a separate breeding tank, with a capacity of at least 50 gallons, to ensure ample space for the pair to exhibit natural behaviors.
The chosen pair should then be placed in a separate breeding tank, maintaining pristine water conditions with a pH level between 5.0 to 6.5, and a temperature range of 82 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (28- 30C).
Hardness of the water is also crucial, with a general hardness (GH) of around 5 dGH being conducive for discus breeding.
Prior to the spawning, the pair may require a period of acclimatization, especially if they have been introduced to the breeding tank from a community setup.
During this period, it’s not uncommon for the fish to clean the surface where they intend to lay their eggs.
Discus fish are known for their particular spawning behavior, where they seek out flat surfaces to lay their eggs. In the wild, this would typically be on a submerged leaf or a flat rock.
Broad plant leaves are a natural choice, as they mimic the fish’s natural habitat in the Amazonian waterways.
However, in the aquarium, it isn’t always practical or possible to maintain such plants in the conditions that Discus fish require for breeding.
Therefore, fishkeepers often provide alternative surfaces such as:
- Ceramic Cones: These are specially designed for Discus and other cichlids that lay eggs on vertical surfaces. The cone shape is stable and provides a large surface area for the fish to lay their eggs.
- Flat Stones: A smooth, flat stone placed on the bottom of the tank can also be an ideal spawning site. It’s important that the stone has no sharp edges that could harm the fish.
- Driftwood: Pieces of driftwood with flat surfaces can serve the purpose as well, though they may affect water parameters by releasing tannins, which can lower the pH.
- Tank Sides: Some Discus pairs may even choose the glass sides of the tank as a place to deposit their eggs.
When ready to spawn, the discus pair will engage in a dance-like ritual which culminates in the laying of up to 400 eggs.
The parents exhibit a high degree of care, vigilantly guarding the eggs from potential threats. They also facilitate the hatching process by fanning the eggs with their fins, ensuring a proper supply of oxygen.
Once the eggs hatch, which typically occurs within 60 hours, the fry begin to feed on a special mucus-like secretion produced by the skin of the parents.
This period is critical for the development of the fry and they should not be fed any artificial food at this time.
After about 5 to 10 days, breeders may start to introduce specialized diets to supplement the nutrition of the fry, which could include baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flake food.
As the fry grow, they become more independent, yet still require meticulous care from the breeder.
Frequent water changes are paramount to prevent the accumulation of toxins and to promote healthy growth.
After about two weeks, the juvenile discus will have grown significantly, and by this point, they typically reach about 3 centimeters in diameter.
Successful discus fish breeding is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the breeder. It is a rewarding experience that not only contributes to the conservation of this species but also to the beauty and biodiversity of the aquarium hobby
Discus Fish Video
In conclusion
Discus fish are fascinating and beautiful creatures that have captured the hearts of aquarium enthusiasts around the world.
Their unique shape, colors, and graceful swimming movements make them a joy to watch.
It’s important to remember that Discus fish are not for beginners, and it’s essential to research and educate oneself thoroughly before bringing them into your aquarium.
Providing them with a stable and suitable environment, proper nutrition, and regular maintenance will help ensure their health and happiness.
