Description

🐠 Discus

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Symphysodon spp.

• Family: Cichlidae

• Origin: Amazon River Basin, South America

• Size: 6 – 8 inches (15 – 20 cm)

• Lifespan: 10 – 12 years

• Tank Zone: Mid

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 80 – 150 ppm (soft water preferred)

• pH: 6.0 – 6.8 (slightly acidic)

• Temperature: 27 – 30°C (81 – 86°F)

• Hardness: 1 – 6 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Known as the “King of the Aquarium” due to their beauty.

• Round, disc-like body shape with bright colors and striking patterns (red, blue, turquoise, pigeon, leopard, albino, etc.).

• Very peaceful but sensitive to water quality.

• Social fish – do best in groups.

• Intelligent and recognize their keepers.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: High-quality discus pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, beef heart mix, spirulina flakes.

• Feeding: 2–3 times daily in small amounts (avoid overfeeding).

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons for a small group (bigger is better).

• Weekly Water Change: 40–50% (very important).

• Soft, clean, warm water with strong but gentle filtration.

• Provide driftwood, smooth rocks, and open swimming space.

• Plants like Amazon swords and floating plants are ideal.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: 5–6 (kept in groups to reduce stress).

• Tank Mates: Peaceful species like Angelfish, Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Corydoras, Plecos (small, peaceful types).

• Avoid: Aggressive or fast-moving fish (Oscars, large cichlids, barbs).

✅ Do’s

• Keep in groups for comfort.

• Maintain very stable water parameters.

• Feed a varied, high-quality diet.

• Provide hiding spaces but keep plenty of swimming room.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep in small or unstable tanks.

• Don’t house with aggressive or fin-nipping fish.

• Don’t skip water changes – discus are very sensitive.

• Don’t expose them to sudden temperature or pH changes.

⭐ Quick Tips
The Discus Cichlid is one of the most beautiful and graceful aquarium fish.
They require extra care and clean water, but their stunning colors and peaceful nature make them a prize for advanced hobbyists.