DISCUSDiscus are freshwater perciform fish, peculiar cichlids native to the Amazon River basin. There are two recognized species, both within the genus Symphysodon: the red discus or common discus (Symphysodon discus) and the blue discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus). The two species are very similar and may interbreed, producing a number of hybrid strains. Details regarding the precise number of subspecies have not been finalised. Discus are most closely related to the genus Heros.
The first special characteristic of the discus is its flattened body shape. It is compressed from the sides to a dish or discus shape. Although patternation varies, most are showily coloured in shades of green, red, and blue. The height and length of the grown fish are both about 20 - 25 cm (8 - 10 in).
The second special characteristic of the discus is its care for the larvae. Like all cichlids, the parents care for the young but the discus has a unique way of doing so: the parents produce a secretion through their skin, off which the larvae live during their first few days. The young can be seen grazing off their parents.The discus are shy and peaceful aquarium inhabitants. They are sensitive to stress and disturbance or lack of protection. The best cohabitants may be angelfish (although many aquarists claim that keeping them together with angelfish will introduce parasites and/or diseases in them) and small characides like tetras. The Uaru is another preferred tank-mate of the discus. However, small fish may be intimidated by the big discus fish or even eaten. Small chacarins like neon tetras are often found in the gut of wild discus, so they might not be the ideal cohabitants, but the ideal food.Also suction mouth ancistras (plecos) prove less than ideal for discus since they often attach themselves on the sides of discus and eat their mucus membranes.Generally, discus are considered to be difficult to care for and breed. Some breeders and owners use tap water while others claim that it is necessary to prepare the water in a very thorough way, for example by reverse osmosis. There are a lot of different breeds available with a wide range of colorations.
The popularity of the discus has given it its nickname among aquarists: the King.
The first special characteristic of the discus is its flattened body shape. It is compressed from the sides to a dish or discus shape. Although patternation varies, most are showily coloured in shades of green, red, and blue. The height and length of the grown fish are both about 20 - 25 cm (8 - 10 in).
The second special characteristic of the discus is its care for the larvae. Like all cichlids, the parents care for the young but the discus has a unique way of doing so: the parents produce a secretion through their skin, off which the larvae live during their first few days. The young can be seen grazing off their parents.The discus are shy and peaceful aquarium inhabitants. They are sensitive to stress and disturbance or lack of protection. The best cohabitants may be angelfish (although many aquarists claim that keeping them together with angelfish will introduce parasites and/or diseases in them) and small characides like tetras. The Uaru is another preferred tank-mate of the discus. However, small fish may be intimidated by the big discus fish or even eaten. Small chacarins like neon tetras are often found in the gut of wild discus, so they might not be the ideal cohabitants, but the ideal food.Also suction mouth ancistras (plecos) prove less than ideal for discus since they often attach themselves on the sides of discus and eat their mucus membranes.Generally, discus are considered to be difficult to care for and breed. Some breeders and owners use tap water while others claim that it is necessary to prepare the water in a very thorough way, for example by reverse osmosis. There are a lot of different breeds available with a wide range of colorations.
The popularity of the discus has given it its nickname among aquarists: the King.
Symphysodon discusThe Red Discus prefer very soft, acidic water with a 4.2 - 6.2 pH, a water hardness of 0.0 - 1.0 dGH, and a temperature range of 26 - 30°C (79 - 86°F). Their native diet consists of a combination of worms, insects, crustaceans, and plants. They originate from the Negro River where it drains into the Amazon River and from the Trombetas and Abacaxis Rivers.
Symphysodon aequifasciatusThe Blue Discus prefer soft, acidic water with a 6.0 -8.0 pH, a water hardness of 0.0 -12.0 dGH, and a temperature range of 26 - 30°C (79 - 86°F). Their native diet consists of a combination of insects and invertebrates. Besides their popularity among aquarists, the fish are sometimes grown for food in subsistence fisheries. The fish is natively found among rock crevices and roots. They are a schooling fish except during the breeding season when the become territorial. The Blue Discus originates from the Solimões River to the Tocantins River basin.
Symphysodon aequifasciatusThe Blue Discus prefer soft, acidic water with a 6.0 -8.0 pH, a water hardness of 0.0 -12.0 dGH, and a temperature range of 26 - 30°C (79 - 86°F). Their native diet consists of a combination of insects and invertebrates. Besides their popularity among aquarists, the fish are sometimes grown for food in subsistence fisheries. The fish is natively found among rock crevices and roots. They are a schooling fish except during the breeding season when the become territorial. The Blue Discus originates from the Solimões River to the Tocantins River basin.
Feeding
Feeding discus is sometimes a challenge. They have no unique nutritional requirements; they can be raised on just about any high-protein fish food. However, discus are often extremely cautious about new foods; it is not unusual for them to go for weeks without food before accepting a new type of food. (Therefore, when purchasing discus it is a good idea to ask what they are being fed.) After starving for a month discus will almost always accept a new food, but this may stunt the growth of younger fish.
Feeding discus is sometimes a challenge. They have no unique nutritional requirements; they can be raised on just about any high-protein fish food. However, discus are often extremely cautious about new foods; it is not unusual for them to go for weeks without food before accepting a new type of food. (Therefore, when purchasing discus it is a good idea to ask what they are being fed.) After starving for a month discus will almost always accept a new food, but this may stunt the growth of younger fish.
It is not advisable to use the starving method for weening discus off of one food for another. Instead, mix the new food with the discus’ preferred food. Over time, the discus will begin to accept the new food, and the old can be removed.
Beef heart is often fed to discus in order to promote good colouration and quick growth. Pork heart has also been used to achieve a similar effect. However, concern over the long-term consequences of feeding discus a diet high in mammalian protein has prompted some hobbyists to switch their discus to a diet of krill, a shrimp-like crustacean. Discus delight in small live prey, which is the best option for them in the long term. Black worms, bloodworms, brine shrimp and mosquito larvae are all eagerly eaten by discus. Care must be taken when feeding discus live food though, for bacteria and parasites can be present. For this reason it is advisable to buy live food from aquarium retailers. Live tubifex worms should not be fed to discus AT ALL because it is practically impossible to remove all of the bacteria from them. It is safe however to feed discus freeze dried tubifex cubes as the bacteria and/or parasites have been removed in the process. If live food is unavailable, the best artificial food for discus is a high quality granulate food. Flakes are also a good option but granules retain vitamins, minerals and other trace elements better than flakes.
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