Common name(s): Discus, Heckel, Marlboro red, Turquise blue, Scribble
General nature: Symphysodon spp. are usually quite placid, generally slow swimming and not particularly aggressive. They are often kept with angels, but should not be put in an aquarium where the other fish are small enough to fit in their mouth.
Difficulty to maintain: Moderate to difficult. The discus requires high temperature and plenty of area to swim. Clean soft water is also very important, regular water maintenance is highly encouraged.
Aquarium size: The longer and higher the tank, the better. Aquariums should be a minimum of 48" long fir fully grown specimens; and as high as possible. The aquascape should have a few live plants and plenty of space to swim, especially in the middle section of the fish tank. Since the water should be soft and acid, care should be taken in selecting decorations, a few flat rocks and other surfaces are appreciated, especially if breeding is to be encouraged, but ensure they are safe for the water and will not leach hardness.
Preferred pH: Acid - 6.5 is ideal in most cases,
Preferred hardness: Very soft, preferably 2 - 3 dGH is best
Preferred temperature: 27oC - 30oC (80oF - 85oF). Temperature is very important for discus, if the tank is too cool, they will have a very difficult time. These fish require an excellent heat source that provides a constant and stable temperature all the time.
Spawning style: Egg layers with definite courtship rituals between male and female. The female will lay her eggs on a carefully cleaned rock or other flat surface, sometimes even leaves will do. Both the male and female of any Symphysodon species will jealously protect the eggs while they are hatching
Spawning difficulty: As long as all conditions for standard maintenance are met, breeding is not difficult with an established pair. Discus do bond as pairs and will form a nuclear family in many cases
Parental behaviour: Highly developed parental behaviour with both parents assisting in the protection of the eggs, care and raising of the fry in the beginning. Discus have developed a secretion from their skin which is nourishing for the fry once they become free swimming. They will use it as their nourishment for the first week or two as they develop to the point where they can live on their own.
Preferred food: Most discus have become accustomed to prepared foods such as pellets and such, but will enjoy the occasional live or freeze dried foods when offered.
Comments: Often known as the King of freshwater tropical fish, the discus is much prized by aquarists as the penultimate fish to keep. The disc shaped body with rounded fins makes a great addition to any aquarium where they can be the main attraction. They are regal in every sense of the word, slowly swimming in a school. They are very susceptible to environmental changes and often lose their colour and go very dark when they are under stress. Otherwise they will display a very interesting range of colours when they are comfortable in their environment. They prefer very warm water, temperatures should be kept constantly above 80o for the fish to be comfortable and stress free.
