Fish Tank Tutor

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?  We’d all love to hear from you.

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