| Discus Fish | Tropical Fish Information |
| Size | Up to 6 inches or 15 cm |
| Fish Hardiness | Not very easy to keep |
| Water Temperature | 77 to 87.8°F or 25 to 31°C |
| Water pH | 5.0 to 7.5 |
| Water Hardness | 0 to 8 dH |
| Peaceful or Aggressive | Generally Peaceful |
| Number of same species in tank | Two or more, more is better |
| Community Species | Yes, when kept with other peaceful fish |
| Sexes | Can only really be determined during spawning |
| Strata | Mainly middle |
| Food | Only the best live foods, brine shrimp, blood worms and flakes |
| Breeding | Not very easy to breed |
| Breeding temperature | 82.4 to 87.8°F or 28 to 31°C |
| Other names | Numerous due to color variations |
| Scientific name | Symphysodon aequifasciatus |
| Lifespan | 10 years and older |
Ideal Discus Fish Conditions
Appearance
The Discus Fish is another species from my tropical fish index. As the name implies they have a round body shape when viewed from the side and they are found in many different colors ranging from brown and green to yellow, blue and red. They mostly have stripe like patterns running either vertically or horizontally over the body.
Peaceful
Although the Discus Fish is generally a peaceful fish, they do become territorial especially when paring off to breed.
Community Species
They are best kept in a species only aquarium setup. Some other species like the smaller Tetras and Angelfish can be kept with Discus but not without possible complications. Tetras may be eaten and Angels are known to transfer parasites and compete with the Discus during feeding.
Strata
Discus Fish mostly prefer the middle regions of a tall aquarium with plants and large rocks where they can hide when they need to.
Feeding
Feeding them a variety of foods like brine shrimp, blood worms and good quality flakes is best for optimum health and to bring out their brightest colors. When buying Discus it is a good idea to start feeding them the same food that they were fed where they came from and then gradually mix in other food to get them used to the new type of food.
Breeding
Breeding Discus Topical Fish is quite a challenge but very rewarding. Have your fish well fed and the water in optimal condition with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 and a higher water temperature of 82.4 to 87.8°F or 28 to 31°C. They will clean a flat surface either vertically or horizontally on rocks, glass or large leaves where they will spawn.
Both the parents will look after the eggs which will hatch after 48 to 72 hours. Then they will look after the fry for another 48 to 72 hours after which the fry become free swimming. Parents should remain with the fry in the same tank because of the fry feeding on a skin secretion coming from the parents.