Green Discus
Symphysodon tarzoo
The wild 'Green Discus'. Discoid cichlid (18 cm) famous for its delicate green base coloration and showy red spots. Extremely demanding regarding hygiene and temperature (30°C / 86°F).
Température de l’eau
28 - 32 °C
Valeur du pH
5 - 6.5
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Milieu
Taille adulte
18 cm
Volume minimal du bac
300 L
Groupe minimal
5 - 6
GH
0 - 5 dGH
KH
1 - 2 dKH
TDS
10 - 95 ppm
Conductivité
16 - 148 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Populates the western Amazon (basins of the Rio Japurá, Putumayo, Tefé). Strictly associated with flooded areas where fallen branches form intricate underwater 'galleries'. Navigates slowly among the shadows in weakly flowing waters, escaping predators.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Recognized by recent studies as a separate species from S. aequifasciatus. The shape is the iconic flat disk, almost perfectly circular, highly compressed. Small mouth to graze invertebrates. Can reach 15-18 cm (6-7 inches) in diameter. The undisputed King of the freshwater aquarium.
Social Behavior: Very peaceful and highly gregarious. Isolated Discus get sick from lethal stress. They imperatively require a school of at least 5-6 specimens. In the school, a rigid but quiet hierarchy is established, based on fake frontal charges. They are easily frightened by sudden movements or shadows.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Extraordinary. Yellow-olive or light brown body base tending to mint green. It is crossed by 9 dark vertical bands (more or less visible depending on mood). The unique feature of the Tarzoo are the dense blood-red spots concentrated in the anal, ventral and caudal area. Turquoise streaks decorate the snout. No visible dimorphism.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: Demands a monumental and tall aquarium (minimum 150 cm x 50-60 cm / 60 x 20-24 inches high, 400 liters / 100 Gal). Ideal biotope: bare fine sand bottom, majestic bogwood roots falling from above to shade (fallen branch style), and Echinodorus (Amazonian plants). Subdued lighting to reduce stress.
Diet and Feeding: Very delicate. Demanding benthic grazers. Often disdain granules if not slowly accustomed. They must eat mashes based on shrimp, mollusks, spirulina (avoid mammalian beef heart in the long run), and mountains of frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp. Multiple modest daily meals spur appetite.
Water Quality: THE CRITICAL PARAMETER. Ultra-sensitive fish to ammonia and nitrates. The water must be feverishly hot (constant 28°C - 32°C / 82-90°F) to avoid lethal intestinal blocks. Weakly acidic or strongly acidic pH (5.0 - 6.5) and very low hardness (GH < 5). Copious and close water changes (up to 30-50% weekly in case of growth).
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Perfect master of docile Amazonian community tanks (Discus Tank). Companions of choice: Cardinal Tetras (often act as reassuring 'dither fish'), large schools of warm Corydoras (e.g. C. sterbai), calm Geophagus and algae-eating Loricariids. NEVER insert nervous cichlids or fast fish that would steal food.
Aquarium Breeding: One of the most touching parental cares in nature. They spawn on a cone or smooth root. The newly hatched larvae, unable to swim freely, stick to the sides of the parents and feed by grazing for weeks on the hyper-protein epithelial mucus secreted by the father's and mother's skin. Extraordinary to observe.
Risks and Diseases: Prone to Tuberculosis and the infamous Hole in the Head disease (Hexamitiasis) caused by chemical stress and vitamin deficiency. Lethal gill parasites if temperatures drop or hygiene decays.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Populates the western Amazon (basins of the Rio Japurá, Putumayo, Tefé). Strictly associated with flooded areas where fallen branches form intricate underwater 'galleries'. Navigates slowly among the shadows in weakly flowing waters, escaping predators.
Origine
Océans tropicaux et récifsAmazonie, Orénoque et Guyanes
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Semi-aggressive
- Green Discus have a calm, regal, and somewhat timid temperament, especially when first introduced to a new tank. They require a serene environment and will display stunning colors and interactive behavior once settled and comfortable. They are highly sensitive to their environment and will quickly show signs of stress if conditions decline.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- In their natural habitat, they consume a variety of small aquatic invertebrates, insects, and plant matter. In captivity, they require a high-quality varied diet of specialized pellets, frozen bloodworms, and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp. Providing a diverse and nutritious diet is key to bringing out their stunning green and red spotting.
- Espérance de vie
- 8-12 years
- Taille adulte
- 18 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- School
- They are schooling fish that should be kept in groups of six or more to establish a healthy social dynamic. Keeping them in large groups disperses aggression and allows natural pairs to form without forced pairing. A dominant fish will usually establish itself, but severe bullying is rare in properly sized groups.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- Adult Green Discus should be fed two to three times daily, while growing juveniles need up to five feedings. Their diet must be rich, but care must be taken to promptly remove any uneaten food to protect water quality. Consistent feeding of high-quality foods prevents stunting and ensures a robust immune system.
- Charge biologique
- Medium to High
- The Green Discus creates a significant bioload due to its large adult size and heavy feeding requirements. Maintaining impeccable water quality through massive biological filtration and religious water changes is absolutely critical. Failure to manage their waste output effectively will quickly lead to disease and poor coloration.
- Courant
- Stagnant
- Originating from the very slow-moving waters of the western Amazon, they demand gentle, minimal water movement. Strong currents cause extreme stress, forcing them to hide and expend vital energy unnecessarily. Spray bars or gentle sponge filters are ideal for maintaining water quality without creating turbulent flow.
- Risque de saut
- Yes
- Though generally sedate, they are easily startled and may attempt to jump if frightened by sudden movements or loud noises. A secure, tight-fitting lid is absolutely necessary for any Discus aquarium. Ensuring the aquarium is placed in a quiet area of the home minimizes the chances of panic.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding Symphysodon tarzoo is challenging, requiring extremely soft, acidic water and dedicated breeding pairs. Like all Discus, the parents secrete a specialized nutritious mucus from their skin to feed the newly hatched fry. Successful breeding requires pristine water conditions and meticulous care during the fry-raising stages.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Peaceful
- They are peaceful, elegant fish that must be housed with very calm, slow-moving tank mates. Good companions include small characins, dwarf cichlids, and peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish that thrive in warm water. Avoid any fast, aggressive, or fin-nipping species that would easily outcompete and stress them.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Middle
- They are classic mid-water column dwellers that prefer navigating around tall, vertical structures like submerged roots and large plants. They feel most secure when they have vertical shelter to retreat to when feeling threatened. They will feed from the substrate but generally avoid spending time at the very surface.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 3,1 ± 0,4 se
- Résilience
- Élevée (moins de 15 mois)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.625
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.0257, b = 3.11
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
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