Discus
Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Family: Cichlidae • Origin: South America
Discus are the undisputed kings of the freshwater aquarium. Round, colorful, and regal. Demanding but the ultimate showpiece.
Is Discus Right for Your Tank?
Discus is rated "expert" (4/5) — best for experienced aquarists. They have specific requirements that make them challenging for beginners. They need at least 55 gallons — a mid-size tank commitment. Plan your space accordingly.
With a peaceful temperament, Discus makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. This is a schooling species — keep at least 5 together, or they may become stressed and display abnormal behavior. Expected lifespan: 10 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Discus
Keeping fewer than 5 together
Discus is a schooling species — they need a group of at least 5 to feel secure. Lone or paired individuals become stressed, hide constantly, and may develop health issues or aggression.
Relying on a heater without a thermometer
Discus needs 82–88°F. Heaters malfunction or drift over time — always use a separate thermometer to verify. Temperature swings of even 3–4°F can trigger stress and disease, particularly ich.
Putting them in a tank under 55 gallons
Many beginners underestimate tank size needs. Discus requires at least 55 gallons — ideally 75. Cramped tanks lead to stunted growth, aggression, and poor water quality.
Care Tips
- • Needs very warm water (84-88°F)
- • Daily water changes recommended
- • Keep in groups of 5+
- • Extremely sensitive to water quality
- • Feed multiple times per day
Feeding: High-protein foods: beefheart, frozen bloodworms, discus-specific pellets. Multiple feedings daily.
Compatibility Notes: Needs very warm (84°F+), soft acidic water. Only keep with species that tolerate these conditions.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 55 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 75 gallons
- Swimming Level
- middle
- Minimum School Size
- 5+ fish
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 82–88°F
- pH Range
- 5.5–6.5
- Hardness (dGH)
- 1–4
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 2/5
- Schooling
- Yes
- Territorial
- No
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- slow
Needs very warm (84°F+), soft acidic water. Only keep with species that tolerate these conditions.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- difficult
- Lifespan
- 10 years
Ideal For
Compatible Tank Mates
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Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Sterbai Corydoras
Corydoras sterbai
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus vittatus
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii
German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
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