Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Discus
Discus are often called the king of the freshwater aquarium for their colour and shape, but they need pristine, warm, soft water maintained with real discipline. They suit experienced fishkeepers who enjoy a demanding, rewarding project rather than a first tank.
CichlidaeLifespan 10–15 yearsCare complexity 5/5Not a beginner animal
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Symphysodon aequifasciatus
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Slow-moving blackwater tributaries of the Amazon basin
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm
- Weight
- Not typically measured
- Temperament
- Peaceful but easily stressed by poor water quality or boisterous tank mates
- Activity level
- Moderate; unhurried swimming through mid-water
- Social needs
- High; a settled shoal of six or more shows the best colour and confidence
- Intelligence
- Recognises individual keepers and feeding routines
- Noise
- Silent
Housing and environment
- Housing
- Tall planted aquarium of at least 300 litres for a shoal, with soft, warm, very clean water
- Space requirement
- Vertical swimming height and open mid-water areas between driftwood
- Temperature
- 28–30°C, notably warmer than most community fish
- Humidity
- Not applicable, aquatic species
- Exercise
- Provided by tank volume and gentle water movement
- Grooming
- Not applicable
Diet and feeding
High-protein discus pellets, frozen bloodworm and beef heart mix in moderation
Behaviour and compatibility
Shoaling, gentle pair formation, feeding fry with body mucus when breeding
- With children
- Suitable to observe only; the tank's demanding water chemistry is not a beginner project
- With other animals
- Compatible with other calm, warm-water soft-water species such as cardinal tetras
- Training difficulty
- Not applicable
Health
- Hole-in-the-head disease
- Bacterial and protozoal infections from poor water quality
- Stress-related colour loss
Aquatic vets are rare; a specialist fish health service or experienced discus breeder is the usual resource
Special care requirements
Demands very frequent large water changes and stable warm temperatures; water quality lapses show up quickly as illness