06/04/2025
New Arrivals: Discus
Empire Pet Fish
164-13 Northern Blvd
Flushing NY 11358
Tel: (718)-321-1977
www.empirepetfish.com
Discus fish (Symphysodon spp.) are captivating freshwater cichlids native to the Amazon River Basin, renowned for their distinctive, disc-shaped bodies and vibrant coloration. They are highly sought after by aquarium enthusiasts but are considered challenging to keep due to their specific care requirements.
Here's a breakdown of key information about discus fish:
1. Physical Characteristics:
Shape: They are named for their highly compressed, nearly circular body shape, which resembles a discus.
Size: Discus typically reach 5.4 to 6 inches in total length, though some captive individuals have been reported to grow up to 9 inches.
Coloration: Wild discus exhibit a range of natural colors, including shades of brown, green, red, and blue, often with vertical bars or wavy horizontal stripes. Through selective breeding, a vast array of vibrant hybrid strains with striking patterns and colors (like Cobalt Blue, Pigeon Blood, Leopard, and Snakeskin) have been developed for the aquarium trade.
Fins: Their dorsal and a**l fins extend along almost the entire body, accentuating their rounded profile.
Sexual Dimorphism: It can be difficult to distinguish between males and females when they are young. As they mature (around 4 inches), males often develop more pointed dorsal fins and thicker lips, and tend to be larger than females.
2. Natural Habitat & Behavior:
Range: Discus are found in the Amazon River Basin, inhabiting floodplain lakes, deep streams, and shallow-water areas of tributaries.
Water Conditions: They prefer soft, acidic water, often found in "blackwater" habitats characterized by dark, tea-colored water stained by tannins from decaying organic matter. Temperatures in their natural habitat can range from 80°F to 95°F (27°C to 35°C).
Social Structure: Discus are highly social fish and typically live in groups or schools, sometimes numbering dozens of individuals. During breeding, pairs will separate from the group.
Diet (Wild): In the wild, they are omnivorous, feeding on insect larvae, planktonic invertebrates, and some plant matter like algae.
3. Aquarium Care:
Difficulty: Discus are considered demanding aquarium fish due to their strict requirements for water quality and their social nature.
Tank Size: A minimum of 55-75 gallons is recommended for a group of discus. Since they are social, keeping at least 5-6 individuals is important for their well-being.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: They require warm water, generally between 82-86°F (28-30°C).
pH: Slightly acidic water, ideally around pH 6.0-6.5.
Hardness: Soft water with low general hardness (GH).
Water Changes: Frequent and significant water changes (e.g., 25% once or twice a week) are crucial to maintain pristine water quality.
Diet (Captivity): A varied diet is essential, including high-quality discus-specific flakes or granules, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and other protein-rich foods. They are continuous grazers in the wild, so multiple small feedings throughout the day are preferred over one large feeding.
Tank Setup:
Substrate: Sand or fine gravel is suitable.
Decorations: Provide plenty of hiding places with driftwood, roots, and live plants (e.g., Amazon Sword plants, Cryptocorynes, Anubias).
Lighting: They prefer subdued lighting, as bright lights can stress them.
Tankmates: Choose peaceful, non-aggressive tankmates that can tolerate similar warm, soft, and acidic water conditions. Other discus are their ideal companions. Avoid highly active or fin-nipping species.
4. Reproduction & Breeding:
Parental Care: Discus exhibit highly developed parental care. Both parents guard and protect their eggs and fry.
"Discus Milk": A unique aspect of discus breeding is that the fry feed on a nutrient-rich mucus secreted from the skin of both parents during their first few weeks of life. This "discus milk" is essential for their early development.
Breeding Environment: For breeding, a dedicated breeding tank (around 20 gallons) with stable and ideal water parameters (slightly warmer and more acidic) is often used.
Pairing: Discus often choose their own mates, so aquarists usually buy a group of juveniles and allow pairs to form naturally.
5. Conservation Status:
Discus are currently listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List, though habitat degradation and overfishing in some areas can pose threats.
Discus fish are truly magnificent creatures that bring a touch of the Amazon's beauty to home aquariums. While their care can be demanding, the reward of witnessing their vibrant colors and fascinating behaviors makes them a prized species among dedicated aquarists.
