Discus Fish, Everything You Want to Know Series

Discus Fish

Photo by: Patrick Farrelly

The Discus Fish is arguably the most beautiful freshwater topical fish you’ll come across.  You’ll find Discus in all sorts of color combinations, and they are equally stunning.  They require a rigid aquarium cleaning schedule to maintain their high quality water standards.  Tank mates should be chosen carefully because of their soft water and high temperature requirements.  Because of these requirements, species only tanks are very common when keeping Discus.  Read up to see if Discus are right for you.

Discus Fish Names:

  • Common: Discus Fish
  • Scientific: Symphysodon aequifasciatus
  • Varieties: Green Discus, Blue Discus, Brown Discus, Heckel Discus, Red Turquoise Discus, Colbalt Discus, Blue Diamond Discus, Snake Skin Discus, Fire Dragon Discus

Discus Fish General Info:

  • Care Level: Difficult
  • Origin: Amazon
  • Max Size: 6in (15cm) long
  • Life Span: Up to 10 yrs
  • General Temperament: Peaceful
  • Minimum Tank Size: 40 Gallon – Tall tank preferred
  • Tank Region: Middle
  • Preferred Food: Blood worms, brine shrimp, glass worms, specially designed Discus food
  • Family: Cichlids
  • Ideal Tank Mates: Angelfish, Plecostomus, Cory Catfish, Gouramis, Cardinal Tetras
  • Schooling: Yes – 3+ ideal

Discus Fish Water Ideals:

  • pH: Range 5.5-7 | Target 6.5
  • Temp: Range 79°F-88°F (26°C-31°C) | Target 84°F (29°C)
  • Hardness: Very soft – 0-8dH

Discus Fish Breeding:

  • Ideal pH: 6.5
  • Ideal Temp: 86°F (30°C)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Gender Differences: Males: Pointed dorsal and anal fins, less intense colors & more pattern.  Females: Rounded dorsal and anal fins, more intense colors & less pattern.

What’s your experience with Discus Fish?

, ,

12 Responses to Discus Fish, Everything You Want to Know Series

  1. Bob April 17, 2008 at 4:47 pm #

    Tank Mates. Angelfish are not good tank mates for Discus as they carry a parasite which can affect Discus though harmless to the angels.

  2. Eric April 20, 2008 at 9:39 pm #

    Thanks Bob! It is true that Angelfish can be a carrier for Discus Disease, but I think most aquarist’s agree that the risk of this is very slim. Most Angels and Discus are not wild but rather bred commercially, thus virtually eliminating the risk.

  3. Ed May 1, 2008 at 10:40 pm #

    Can German Blue Rams be kept with Discus, successfully?

  4. Eric May 4, 2008 at 3:21 pm #

    Hello Ed,
    Blue Rams and Discus are some of the least aggressive Cichlids. I don’t have personal experience keeping both together, but they should be fine. Blue Rams can kept successfully in community aquariums.

  5. Alex May 21, 2008 at 10:51 pm #

    I was wondering if Discus can be kept with an Oscar fish? My Oscar is about 9” long and extreamly tame. Right now i have him with a fairly small angel fish, and they have been getting along now for 4 months.

  6. Eric May 27, 2008 at 6:34 am #

    Hi Alex,
    Keeping Oscars and Discus together is not a good idea as they have two different temperaments. Ideal temperatures are different as well. The other problem is Discus require very clean water and Oscars are about as messy as they come. Discus are generally kept best in a species only tank.

  7. Ed May 29, 2008 at 9:19 pm #

    I know what the books say but what kind of temps. and PH levels are people successfully keeping discus at? I’d like to see the extremes.

  8. sumon June 17, 2008 at 2:41 pm #

    do u knw the detail of breeding discus??

  9. Eric June 23, 2008 at 5:56 am #

    Hi Sumon,
    Follow basics above. Separate into breeding tank. You should start with 6 or so adults to allow them to pair off. The toughest part is keeping the fry alive. Your water conditions need to be perfect.

  10. Dave July 20, 2008 at 6:45 pm #

    I have a 30 gallon tank. I now have 3 discuss 3-4 inches. Would It be safe to add more? Thanks Dave

  11. Eric July 22, 2008 at 6:02 am #

    Hey Dave,
    I wouldn’t add any more to a 30 gal. It’s a good idea to plan your tank out with the 6 in or so in mind that they will eventually grow to.

  12. Nancy Smith February 13, 2011 at 3:24 pm #

    Hi I have a 5 gallon tank with a male guppie and 2 female guppies. How long will it take them to breed.