Discus

Discus are often called the "King of the Aquarium" and are considered the pinnacle of freshwater fish keeping. These stunning, disc-shaped cichlids from the Amazon River basin are known for their vibrant colors, circular body shape, and demanding care requirements. While incredibly beautiful, they are not for beginners and require pristine water conditions, high temperatures, and specialized care. The reward is one of the most magnificent freshwater fish available.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Discus require large, well-maintained tanks:

• Minimum 55 gallons (75+ for groups)
• Tall tanks preferred (18+ inches height)
• Very clean, stable water - paramount importance
• Heater to maintain 82-88°F (higher than most fish)
• Excellent filtration (canister filter recommended)
• Dim lighting (brings out colors, reduces stress)
• Soft, acidic water with tannins

Bare-bottom or lightly planted tanks are common for easier maintenance.

Water Quality

• Temperature: 82-88°F (28-31°C) - warmer than most fish!
• pH: 6.0-7.0 (stable is more important than exact number)
• Water Hardness: Soft (1-8 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm (always)
• Nitrate: <20 ppm (lower is better)

Water Changes: 50% or more twice weekly is standard practice. Some keepers do daily changes.

Feeding

Discus need high-quality, varied diet for optimal health and color:

• Beef heart mixture (traditional food, controversial but effective)
• High-quality discus pellets (Tetra, Hikari, etc.)
• Frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp
• Live foods: blackworms (excellent for conditioning)

Feeding Schedule: 3-5 small meals daily. They have high metabolisms at warm temperatures.

Behavior & Compatibility

Discus are peaceful but have specific requirements:

• Best Tank Mates:

  • Cardinal Tetras (not Neon Tetras - too small)
  • Corydoras (Sterbai, Hastatus - warm water tolerant)
  • Rummy-nose Tetras
  • Loricariids (small Plecos)

• Avoid:

  • Aggressive fish
  • Fin-nippers
  • Fish requiring cooler temperatures
  • Very small fish (may be eaten)

Group Dynamics

Discus do best in groups:

• Minimum 6 individuals (reduces aggression)
• Odd numbers help prevent pairing aggression
• Allow them to establish hierarchy
• Be prepared to separate if severe bullying occurs

Size & Growth

• Juvenile size: 2-3 inches
• Adult size: 6-8 inches in diameter
• Growth rate: Slow, takes 2-3 years to reach full size
• Sexual maturity: 1-2 years

Common Health Issues

1. Discus Plague: Viral disease; highly contagious, often fatal
2. Internal Parasites: Common in wild-caught; causes wasting
3. Hexamita (Hole-in-Head): Nutritional deficiency
4. Gill Flukes: Flashing, rapid breathing
5. Bacterial Infections: Often secondary to poor water quality

Prevention: Pristine water is the best medicine.

Breeding

Discus breeding is advanced but rewarding:

• Form pairs naturally
• Lay eggs on vertical surfaces
• Both parents care for eggs and fry
• Parents feed fry “slime coat” (unique behavior)
• Remove fry after 2-3 weeks

Challenges:

• Requires perfect water conditions
• First-time parents may eat eggs
• Fry need exceptional water quality
• Heavy feeding required for fry growth

Water Change Regimen

This is critical for Discus success:

• Bare minimum: 50% twice weekly
• Optimal: 25-30% daily
• Always use water conditioner
• Match temperature exactly
• Never skip water changes

Tank Maintenance

• Daily observation for health issues
• Twice-weekly large water changes (minimum)
• Clean filter media regularly (in tank water)
• Vacuum substrate if present
• Test water parameters frequently
• Remove uneaten food immediately

Tips for Success

• Start with tank-bred (not wild-caught) Discus
• Buy from reputable breeder
• Quarantine new fish for 4-6 weeks
• Establish water change routine before getting Discus
• Use RO water or very soft tap water
• Consider automated water change system
• Join Discus forums/groups for ongoing support
• Be patient - they take years to mature

Varieties

• Red: Pigeon Blood, Red Melon, Red Turquoise
• Blue: Cobalt, Blue Diamond, Blue Snakeskin
• Patterned: Leopard Snakeskin, Leopard Snakeskin
• Solid: Solid Red, Solid Blue
• Wild Types: Heckel, Green, Brown

Why They’re “Advanced”

1. Extreme sensitivity to water quality
2. Require high temperatures
3. Need frequent, large water changes
4. Sensitive to medications
5. Expensive (quality Discus cost $50-200+ each)
6. Slow growth rate
7. Vulnerable to disease

Discus keeping is a commitment, not a casual hobby.