Common name
Commonly referred to simply as Discus, they may also be identified by their color variety as well. Discus are considered by most hobbyists as the ultimate fresh water aquarium fish. Few other species can rival their majestic behavior, fabulous color, and incredible intelligence. Scientific names There are two species of Discus, which have been divided into the following sub-species. Symphysodon aequifasciata axelrodi (Brown Discus) Symphysodon aequifasciata aequifasciata (Green Discus) Symphysodon aequifasciata haraldi (Wild Blue Discus) Symphysodon Discus Discus (Heckel Discus) Symphysodon Discus willischwartzi (Pineapple Discus) Natural Range The natural habitat of Discus is the Amazon Basin, where they live amongst the protection of submerged tree roots, logs, and heavy aquatic vegetation. The water is soft, with a GH of 30ppm, and acid, with a pH between 5 and 6. (This differs from the water parameters under which Discus are held in commercial, retail, and home aquaria. See below for these recommended parameters.) It also has a low bacteria count, and is high in humic acid and tannic substances. Discus spawn in natural ponds, created during the annual rainy season floods. Here the water reaches temperatures of 32° Celsius. Tank Range Discus will hover around the middle to top of the water. Maximum Size and Longevity These fish will get to a maximum size of about 25cm. Discus can get to an average age of 10 if kept happy and healthy in the correct water parameters Color and Varieties In addition to the wild forms which are available, line breeding has resulted in some spectacular color forms. A great deal of confusion exists over popular names of the different Discus color forms. Many commercial breeders give any new color form their own “popular” name, which leads to very little consistency across the industry. There are also color fed Discus offered on the international market. Fortunately with Australia’s 14 days quarantine regulations, any imported color fed Discus should be back to natural color by the time they reach the shops, thus providing a safeguard for buyers when purchasing fish from us (To ensure the integrity of our Discus colors, we do not artificially color feed.) |
Water Quality
· Temperature: 27°C - 30°C. · pH: 6.2—6.8 · General Hardness: 50—100 ppm. Feeding Discus will take food from all parts of the aquarium-- they will feed at the top and middle, and also graze from the bottom of the tank. It is very important to vary the Discus’ diet with a range of foods. We recommend the a mix of live, frozen and dry food to vary to fishes diet. Discus have healthy appetites, but they eat in a slow and careful manner. A few Corydoras catfish are useful to clean up left over food. Handy Hint: We recommend feeding at least 3 times a day with small portions of defrosted food all throughout the tank so that smaller Discus can get food also. Compatibility We recommend keeping Discus with species that originate in South America. Some other community species also do well with Discus. Acceptable tank mates include cardinal tetras, neon tetras, rummy nose tetras, Corydoras and South American dwarf cichlids, like the genus Apistogramma. Handy hint: Discus are a shoaling fish and best kept in groups. The will experience severe social stress if kept in groups under 6. As a guide, we suggest keeping 8-10cm size Discus at a rate of 10 to 12 per 180l. Sexing As they both have similar colours, it is quite hard to distinguish the difference between male and female Discus. It is difficult to determine the sex at sizes below 12 - 15cm. Once Discus reach approximately 12 - 15cm, differences in the dorsal fin tips become apparent, with females developing a rounded tip, and a more pointed tip emerging in males. Females will sometimes show a breeding tube or ovipositor, but this will only show when the mature adults are breeding. Discus have a most interesting method of reproduction. The parents pair up, lay eggs, and care for and protect the newly hatched fry. The young actually derive their nutrition by feeding from a special protein rich secretion or slime produced by special glands in the skin of their parents Ease of Keeping Ease of aquarium keeping = 4 (1 = easy, 5 = difficult). These fish can be difficult to look after but, as their many enthusiasts will attest, they are well worth the effort. |