Discus Fish
Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Discus Fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) is a freshwater species with an adult-size reference of about 20 cm. It needs at least 300 litres and 6 individuals, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.
Water Temperature
28 - 31 °C
pH Value
5 - 7
Water type
Freshwater
Tank level
Middle
Adult size
20 cm
Minimum tank volume
>= 300 L
Minimum group
>= 6
GH
1 - 8 dGH
KH
1 - 4 dKH
TDS
25 - 160 ppm
Conductivity
39 - 250 uS/cm
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Symphysodon aequifasciatus; the verified classification records genus Symphysodon, family Cichlidae, subfamily Cichlasomatinae, order Cichliformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Discus Fish is gregarious and should be kept in a school. The minimum reference is 6 individuals; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Aquarium Setup: Discus Fish needs an aquarium of at least 300 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of 6 individuals. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is omnivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a freshwater species; the card's reference values are 28–31 °C, pH 5–7. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is a species to combine with caution, with a generally peaceful temperament. Keep at least 6 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “oviparity”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Use a secure cover and close escape gaps. Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.
Geographic origin and distribution
A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Origin
Amazon, Orinoco, and Guianas
Fish profile
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Discus Fish has a generally peaceful temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
- Diet
- Omnivore
- They are omnivorous with a strong preference for high-quality meaty foods like beef heart, bloodworms, and brine shrimp. In captivity, a balanced diet is achieved by combining specially formulated Discus pellets with frozen foods and vitamin supplements. Proper nutrition is critical for maintaining their brilliant coloration and robust immune system.
- Life expectancy
- 10-15 years
- Adult size
- 20 cm
- Sex ratio
- School
- Discus Fish is gregarious and should be kept in a school. The reference minimum is 6 individuals and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
- Feeding frequency
- Twice daily
- Adults should be fed two to three times daily, while juveniles require even more frequent feedings, up to five times a day, for proper growth. Uneaten food must be removed promptly to prevent water quality degradation, which Discus are highly sensitive to. Consistent, high-quality feedings are key to avoiding stunted growth in younger specimens.
- Bioload
- Medium to High
- Blue Discus produce a considerable bioload due to their large adult size and need for a rich, high-protein diet. Because they require pristine water conditions, this heavy waste production demands an exceptionally efficient filtration system. Frequent, often bi-weekly, large water changes are mandatory to keep nitrates exceptionally low and ensure their health.
- Flow
- Stagnant
- Originating from calm tributaries and flooded forests in the Amazon, they strongly prefer slow, gentle water movement. High flow rates will force them to expend too much energy, leading to exhaustion and disease. Filtration returns should be baffled or directed away from their primary swimming areas.
- Jump risk
- Yes
- While not chronic jumpers, Discus can dart to the surface and jump if severely startled or if water parameters suddenly decline. A secure aquarium lid is highly recommended to prevent accidental losses during sudden frights. Maintaining a calm environment around the tank minimizes the risk of sudden panicked movements.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding is fascinating but challenging, requiring dedicated pairs and pristine, soft, acidic water. After the eggs hatch, the fry famously feed on a specialized nutritious mucus secreted from the skin of both parents. Raising the fry demands meticulous water quality management and careful introduction of supplemental foods like baby brine shrimp.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- With caution
- The cohabitation profile is a species to combine with caution, with a generally peaceful temperament. Keep at least 6 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
- Tank level
- Middle
- Discus are predominantly mid-level dwellers, cruising majestically through the open areas of the water column. They appreciate tall vertical structures, like large Amazon swords or submerged branches, which provide a sense of security. They will venture to the bottom to forage for sunken food but rarely linger at the surface.
Scientific Parameters & Models
FishBase
Window to the official scientific data of the species
FishBase v25.04Data synced on: 06/15/2026
- Trophic level
- 3.3 ± 0.44 se
- Resilience
- High (less than 15 months)
- Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
- 0.625
- Bayesian Length-Weight
- a = 0.02692, b = 3.02
- VulnerabilityLow vulnerability (10 / 100)
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
