New
Freshwater
Cichlid
More details
Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)
Free
Free
Description
Regal and high-maintenance, Discus are often considered the crown jewel of freshwater aquariums. With their round, laterally compressed bodies and brilliant coloration, they thrive in warm, pristine Amazon-style biotopes under expert care.
Difficulty Level
Expert Only
Region
Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Sensitive to water parameters, temperature, and tank cleanliness. Best for experienced aquarists.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive breeding is widespread and reduces wild collection, though some strains are still imported from the Amazon.
Origin
Native to slow-moving blackwater tributaries of the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia—especially the Rio Solimões and Rio Negro regions.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Discus display an array of striking colors: turquoise, red, pigeon blood, albino, and wild green or blue morphs. Their graceful, hovering swim style and schooling nature give tanks a refined, serene look.
Purpose
An elegant centerpiece species for dedicated biotope tanks. Their group dynamics and shy behavior reward patient observation and detailed setup.
Importance
Considered a benchmark species for advanced aquarists due to their care demands. Their beauty and calm demeanor make them popular for show tanks and aquascaping competitions.
Included Resources
Requires soft, acidic water with stable heat. Needs excellent filtration, frequent water changes, gentle flow, and dim lighting. Dark substrate and vertical décor help reduce stress.
Best Use Cases
Best kept in dedicated Discus tanks or with peaceful South American species. Works in planted tanks, blackwater displays, or warm-temperature biotopes.
Conservation Context
Wild Discus face pressure from overcollection and habitat loss. Most in the trade are captive-bred, though conservation of wild genetics remains important.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Cardinal or Rummy-nose tetras
• Sterbai corydoras
• Apistogramma (peaceful species)
• Rams (Mikrogeophagus spp.)
• Nerite snails, Amano shrimp (if temperatures allow)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -3.1319° S
• Longitude: -60.0230° W
(Rio Negro near Manaus, Brazil)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -4.4500° S
• Longitude: -70.1833° W
(Rio Solimões near Iquitos, Peru)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Sensitive to water parameters, temperature, and tank cleanliness. Best for experienced aquarists.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive breeding is widespread and reduces wild collection, though some strains are still imported from the Amazon.
Origin
Native to slow-moving blackwater tributaries of the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia—especially the Rio Solimões and Rio Negro regions.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Discus display an array of striking colors: turquoise, red, pigeon blood, albino, and wild green or blue morphs. Their graceful, hovering swim style and schooling nature give tanks a refined, serene look.
Purpose
An elegant centerpiece species for dedicated biotope tanks. Their group dynamics and shy behavior reward patient observation and detailed setup.
Importance
Considered a benchmark species for advanced aquarists due to their care demands. Their beauty and calm demeanor make them popular for show tanks and aquascaping competitions.
Included Resources
Requires soft, acidic water with stable heat. Needs excellent filtration, frequent water changes, gentle flow, and dim lighting. Dark substrate and vertical décor help reduce stress.
Best Use Cases
Best kept in dedicated Discus tanks or with peaceful South American species. Works in planted tanks, blackwater displays, or warm-temperature biotopes.
Conservation Context
Wild Discus face pressure from overcollection and habitat loss. Most in the trade are captive-bred, though conservation of wild genetics remains important.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Cardinal or Rummy-nose tetras
• Sterbai corydoras
• Apistogramma (peaceful species)
• Rams (Mikrogeophagus spp.)
• Nerite snails, Amano shrimp (if temperatures allow)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -3.1319° S
• Longitude: -60.0230° W
(Rio Negro near Manaus, Brazil)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -4.4500° S
• Longitude: -70.1833° W
(Rio Solimões near Iquitos, Peru)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Sensitive to water parameters, temperature, and tank cleanliness. Best for experienced aquarists.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Captive breeding is widespread and reduces wild collection, though some strains are still imported from the Amazon.
Origin
Native to slow-moving blackwater tributaries of the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia—especially the Rio Solimões and Rio Negro regions.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Discus display an array of striking colors: turquoise, red, pigeon blood, albino, and wild green or blue morphs. Their graceful, hovering swim style and schooling nature give tanks a refined, serene look.
Purpose
An elegant centerpiece species for dedicated biotope tanks. Their group dynamics and shy behavior reward patient observation and detailed setup.
Importance
Considered a benchmark species for advanced aquarists due to their care demands. Their beauty and calm demeanor make them popular for show tanks and aquascaping competitions.
Included Resources
Requires soft, acidic water with stable heat. Needs excellent filtration, frequent water changes, gentle flow, and dim lighting. Dark substrate and vertical décor help reduce stress.
Best Use Cases
Best kept in dedicated Discus tanks or with peaceful South American species. Works in planted tanks, blackwater displays, or warm-temperature biotopes.
Conservation Context
Wild Discus face pressure from overcollection and habitat loss. Most in the trade are captive-bred, though conservation of wild genetics remains important.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Cardinal or Rummy-nose tetras
• Sterbai corydoras
• Apistogramma (peaceful species)
• Rams (Mikrogeophagus spp.)
• Nerite snails, Amano shrimp (if temperatures allow)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -3.1319° S
• Longitude: -60.0230° W
(Rio Negro near Manaus, Brazil)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -4.4500° S
• Longitude: -70.1833° W
(Rio Solimões near Iquitos, Peru)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)
Region
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