👑 Discus Fish (Symphysodon spp.)

The Discus Fish is often called the "King of the Aquarium" and is considered the holy grail of freshwater fishkeeping. Their stunning disc-shaped bodies, incredible color patterns, and regal presence make them highly sought after. However, they're demanding fish that require pristine water, high temperatures, and dedicated care.

📋 Quick Facts

🌟 Popular Varieties

• Wild Types - Heckel, Blue, Green, Brown
• Turquoise - Blue-green patterns
• Pigeon Blood - Red/orange patterns
• Snakeskin - Intricate patterning
• Leopard - Spotted patterns
• Solid colors - Red, blue, white

⚠️ Important Considerations

• Need HIGH temperatures - 82-86°F minimum
• Extremely sensitive - To water quality and stress
• Require pristine water - Daily or every-other-day water changes
• Must be kept in groups - 6+ for proper hierarchy
• Expensive - Quality fish cost $50-300+ each
• Not for beginners - Years of experience recommended

🏠 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 55 gallons minimum, 75+ for group
• Tall tank: Need vertical space for body shape
• Temperature: 82-86°F - non-negotiable
• Filtration: Excellent but gentle flow
• Bare bottom OR sand: Easier to keep clean

Water Parameters

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Carnivores that need high-quality protein.

• Beef heart mix - Traditional (controversial)
• High-quality discus pellets - Modern alternative
• Frozen bloodworms - Favorite treat
• Live blackworms - Excellent conditioning
• Frozen brine shrimp

Feed 2-3 times daily. Young discus need more frequent feeding.

🐟 Compatibility

Good Tankmates (in high-temp setup)

• Cardinal tetras (large school)
• Rummy-nose tetras
• Sterbai Corydoras (heat tolerant)
• Bristlenose plecos
• Other discus (best kept species-only)

Avoid

• Cold water fish
• Aggressive species
• Fin nippers
• Fast/active fish - Outcompete for food
• Disease vectors - Discus susceptible to illness

🏥 Common Health Issues

• Hole-in-head disease - Water quality related
• Internal parasites - Common in imports
• Gill flukes - Need treatment
• Stress-related illness
• Discus plague - Often fatal, quarantine essential

🔑 Keys to Success

• Maintain 84°F+ temperatures consistently
• Perform 25-50% water changes DAILY or every other day
• Keep in groups of 6+
• Quarantine all new additions for 4-6 weeks
• Source from reputable breeders
• Feed high-quality varied diet
• Minimize stress - calm environment

📚 Summary

Discus are the ultimate challenge and reward in freshwater fishkeeping. Their demanding requirements for high temperatures, pristine water, and specialized care make them unsuitable for beginners. But for experienced keepers willing to dedicate time and resources, discus offer unparalleled beauty and the satisfaction of mastering one of the hobby's greatest challenges.