Discus care guide
Symphysodon aequifasciatus · Cichlidae
Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) is an aquarium animal. It belongs to the Cichlidae family. It is native to The Amazon in Colombia, Peru and Brazil, along the Rio Solimões and the main Amazon from the Putumayo to the Tocantins drainage; slow tributaries and forest pools, schooling in deep water around tree roots and rocks. Wild fish reach around 14 cm.. Water temperature: 26°C – 30°C. pH: 5.0 – 7.0. Care difficulty: Demanding.
How do you care for Discus?
| Temperature | 26°C – 30°C |
|---|---|
| pH | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Placement | Mid-water; very soft (0–5 dGH), warm, slightly acidic water with plenty of cover. Seriously Fish gives no minimum tank size. |
| Growth | About 14 cm (6 in) standard length, with a tall, flattened body. |
| Difficulty | Demanding (very shy and skittish; needs warm, clean, soft water and plenty of cover) |
| Family | Cichlidae |
How do you trim and propagate Discus?
Wild fish feed mainly on zooplankton, insects and other small invertebrates.
What problems affect Discus?
Shy fish stress easily without cover or suitable water.
How do you fix Discus problems?
Provide plenty of roots, driftwood and plants as cover; keep the water warm, soft, clean and stable.
Where does Discus come from?
The Amazon in Colombia, Peru and Brazil, along the Rio Solimões and the main Amazon from the Putumayo to the Tocantins drainage; slow tributaries and forest pools, schooling in deep water around tree roots and rocks. Wild fish reach around 14 cm. · Biotope regions: South America.
What should you know before buying Discus?
A schooling species: keep a group.
Sources
- Symphysodon aequifasciatus (Discus) — Seriously Fish
- Symphysodon aequifasciatus — FishBase
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-10-29.
See Discus in a living world
- Discus Driftwood Cube — aquarium
Last updated · Open the interactive 3D guide · All species care guides