Discus fish: All you need to know about keeping and food
Discus fish belong to the genus Symphysodon in the cichlid family. They are originally from the Amazon region in South America and have become popular aquarium fish worldwide.
In the following, we will explain what you need to consider when keeping discus fish and how to properly feed these noble kings of the Amazon in your aquarium.
Discus Fish Profile
- Scientific Name: Symphysodon
- Origin: Amazon region
- Size: Up to 20 cm (8 inches)
- Lifespan: 15 - 17 years
- Minimum Aquarium Size: 300 liters (79 gallons)
- Recommended Water Temperature: 28 - 30 °C (82 - 86 °F)
- Diet: Protein-rich, insect larvae, small crustaceans
Appearance of Discus Fish
Discus fish are distinct from most other cichlids. They have a highly compressed and deep-bodied shape. This, along with their rounded anal and dorsal fins and their round head with a short snout, gives them a disc-like appearance, which is how they got their name.
In the wild, discus fish usually grow to 12-16 centimeters (4.7 - 6.3 inches) in size. However, under appropriate care conditions, captive-bred specimens can grow up to around 20 centimeters (8 inches).
Discus fish exhibit a wide range of colors. They occur in various colors both in nature and as captive-bred variants. Their scales can be red, blue, yellow, or other shades, and their shimmering appearance makes them eye-catching in any aquarium.
Lifespan of Discus Fish
Under optimal care conditions, discus fish can live for about 15 years. There have been reports of individuals living up to 17 years. However, the average lifespan may be slightly lower.
Origin of Discus Fish
In their natural habitat, discus fish inhabit vast areas of the Amazon basin. Their distribution ranges from Peru to the Atlantic coast of Brazil. They occupy diverse aquatic environments characterized by high temperatures and acidic pH levels.
The typical habitat of discus fish usually lacks vegetation. Instead, they find shelter among deadwood, roots, or submerged terrestrial vegetation resulting from flooding.
Despite their extensive range, wild populations of discus fish are not continuous. Instead, they consist of isolated populations. This has led to the development of different species or subspecies with varying colors and patterns.
Discus Fish Care
Due to their attractive appearance, discus fish are popular aquarium inhabitants. However, there are several important factors to consider when caring for them, primarily due to their size.
Providing an adequately sized aquarium is essential for discus fish. Since they are usually kept in groups of four or five individuals, each fish should have approximately 60 liters (16 gallons) of water volume. Therefore, an aquarium with a capacity of about 300 liters (79 gallons) and a length of approximately 150 centimeters (59 inches) is required.
Of course, discus fish appreciate even more space if available. If the space allows, a larger aquarium is beneficial to their well-being.
The water temperature for discus fish should be around 28 to 30 °C (82 - 86 °F). It should not drop below 27 °C (81 °F) if possible. The pH level ideally ranges between 6 and 7. Approximately one-third of the water should be replaced weekly.
Setting up an Aquarium for Discus Fish
Adequate plant coverage provides hiding places for discus fish in the aquarium. However, excessive plant density should be avoided as it can make maintenance challenging and compromise water quality.
When choosing plants, it is important to select species that thrive in high water temperatures. Examples include Vallisneria, Anubias, and Echinodorus. Additionally, floating plants such as water lettuce can be added to provide shade and reduce light intensity.
In addition to plants, decorating the aquarium with driftwood is beneficial. Discus fish can utilize these as shelter and retreats. Driftwood serves not only an aesthetic purpose but also contributes to the well-being of the fish.
Tankmates for Discus Fish
Discus fish should be kept in groups of approximately four to eight individuals. They can usually coexist with other fish, provided they are peaceful species that can tolerate the aquarium conditions.
Suitable tankmates for discus fish include small tetras, snails, and armored catfish.
Breeding Discus Fish
Female discus fish can lay up to 300 eggs. Before spawning, both parents clean the spawning site. After about two days, the fertilized eggs hatch into small fry that begin swimming freely after about four days. Both parents take care of the fry and even assist during hatching.
Spawning is usually not a problem in discus fish breeding and can occur even under unfavorable conditions. However, for successful rearing of healthy discus fish, a separate breeding tank is necessary to allow the parents to care for the fry optimally.
Initially, the fry feed on the parents' skin secretions, and additional feeding is usually unnecessary. However, the exhausted parents require suitable food to regain their strength.
Discus Fish Diseases
Discus fish are generally robust, but they can still be susceptible to diseases like any other aquarium fish.
Common diseases that can affect discus fish include:
- Ich (white spot disease)
- Fungal infections
- Dropsy (swelling due to fluid retention)
- Tapeworm infestation
Discus Fish Diet
In the wild, discus fish primarily feed on small crustaceans and insect larvae. This should be considered when feeding them in captivity. Therefore, the diet of discus fish should contain an adequate amount of protein.
Suitable frozen and flake foods that meet the nutritional needs of discus fish are available for aquarists.
Aquaris Fish Food for Discus Fish
Providing a well-balanced diet with high-quality fish food is crucial for the health and well-being of discus fish. Aquaris offers the right products for this purpose.
Aquaris fish food is made from carefully selected ingredients and balanced formulations. It provides all the necessary nutrients for your discus fish while being easily digestible, thereby avoiding unnecessary water pollution.
Leave your comment