A discus fish is a popular aquarium fish known for its vibrant colors and flattened, disc-like body shape. Originating from the Amazon River basin, it is a type of cichlid that prefers warm, acidic water and a social environment. Due to its specialized needs, it is considered an intermediate-level aquarium pet rather than a beginner-friendly one.
Characteristics
Appearance:
They have a circular, laterally compressed body with rounded dorsal and anal fins, giving them a disc shape. They are known for their vibrant colors and patterns.
Origin:
Native to the Amazon River basin in South America.
Diet:
They are omnivores, eating algae, insects, larvae, and small creatures in the wild. In captivity, they require a varied diet of high-quality live, frozen, or commercial foods.
Temperament:
Discus are social fish that are generally calm and can even recognize their caretakers.
Care requirements
Water conditions:
They thrive in soft, acidic water with a pH of 5.0 to 7.0 and temperatures between 28−32∘C (82−84∘F).
Tank size:
A minimum 55-75 gallon aquarium is recommended, with larger tanks being better.
Tank setup:
Some keepers prefer planted tanks with live plants to help with water quality, while others opt for bare-bottom tanks to make cleaning easier.
Social needs:
Discus are social fish and should be kept in groups. Hiding or staying apart from the group can be a sign of illness.
Popularity and varieties
Selective breeding:
While there are only a few species in nature, selective breeding has created over 100 different color varieties for the aquarium trade.
Care level:
While they can be challenging, captive-bred discus are more adaptable than their wild-caught counterparts.
A discus fish is a popular aquarium fish known for its vibrant colors and flattened, disc-like body shape. Originating from the Amazon River basin, it is a type of cichlid that prefers warm, acidic water and a social environment. Due to its specialized needs, it is considered an intermediate-level aquarium pet rather than a beginner-friendly one.
Characteristics
Appearance:
They have a circular, laterally compressed body with rounded dorsal and anal fins, giving them a disc shape. They are known for their vibrant colors and patterns.
Origin:
Native to the Amazon River basin in South America.
Diet:
They are omnivores, eating algae, insects, larvae, and small creatures in the wild. In captivity, they require a varied diet of high-quality live, frozen, or commercial foods.
Temperament:
Discus are social fish that are generally calm and can even recognize their caretakers.
Care requirements
Water conditions:
They thrive in soft, acidic water with a pH of 5.0 to 7.0 and temperatures between 28−32∘C (82−84∘F).
Tank size:
A minimum 55-75 gallon aquarium is recommended, with larger tanks being better.
Tank setup:
Some keepers prefer planted tanks with live plants to help with water quality, while others opt for bare-bottom tanks to make cleaning easier.
Social needs:
Discus are social fish and should be kept in groups. Hiding or staying apart from the group can be a sign of illness.
Popularity and varieties
Selective breeding:
While there are only a few species in nature, selective breeding has created over 100 different color varieties for the aquarium trade.
Care level:
While they can be challenging, captive-bred discus are more adaptable than their wild-caught counterparts.
