Discus
Symphysodon aequifasciatus
- Expert
- Peaceful
- 20 cm adult
- Freshwater
Knowledge-base entry — ask in store about availability.
The king of the aquarium — a disc-shaped Amazonian cichlid in breathtaking colour strains. Demands warmth, cleanliness and a keeper who enjoys routine.
- Min tank size
- 200 L
- Temperature
- 28–31 °C
- pH
- 5.5–7
- Hardness
- 1–8 dGH
- Group size
- 5+ (ideally 6)
- Diet
- Carnivore-leaning omnivore — discus granules, beefheart mix, frozen bloodworms
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Adult size
- 20 cm
Breeding difficulty: Hard
Pairs guard eggs laid on vertical cones; uniquely, fry feed on mucus secreted by both parents for their first weeks.
Very warm (28–31 °C), very clean water is non-negotiable: large frequent water changes are part of discus keeping. Keep in groups of five or more and feed several small meals daily.