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.

4 responses so far ↓
1 Bob // Apr 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 // Apr 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.
Leave a Comment