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Discus

Symphysodon aequifasciatus · family Cichlidae

Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) — aquarium fish
Discus (nl.wikipedia) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Parameters

Temperature
28–30 °C
pH
5.5–7
Hardness
1–8 °dGH
Tank volume
from 250 L
Maximum size
up to 17 cm
Group size
min 5, ideal 6
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Middle
Difficulty
Expert
Lifespan
10–15 years
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Description

The discus is the 'king of the freshwater aquarium'. It demands stable high temperatures, very soft acidic water, and intensive maintenance. Not for beginners.

Discus are highly social — solitary individuals often refuse food and waste away. Keep a group of 5 or more in a tank of at least 250 L.

Care

Water changes

30–50% weekly with RO or softened water. Many breeders do daily 10–20% changes.

Temperature

28–30 °C is the comfort zone. When treating parasites, raise to 32 °C briefly.

Feeding

Discus-specific foods, beef heart (ground), bloodworm, brine shrimp. Feed juveniles 3–4 times a day in small portions, adults 1–2 times.

Compatibility

  • Freshwater Angelfish

    Pterophyllum scalare

    Same biotope, but angelfish carry parasites.

    Caution
  • Bronze Corydoras

    Corydoras aeneus

    Heat-tolerant corydoras species (sterbai) make a great pair. Aeneus is at the upper temperature limit.

    Good
  • Neon Tetra

    Paracheirodon innesi

    Compatible only up to 26 °C, which is below the discus's comfort range.

    Caution
  • Betta

    Betta splendens

    Different requirements and territoriality.

    Avoid
  • Common Pleco

    Hypostomus plecostomus

    Plecos may latch onto the discus's flank at night.

    Avoid

FAQ

Можно ли держать дискуса новичку?
Не рекомендуется. Дискус требует стабильной воды, опыта диагностики болезней и готовности к ежедневному уходу. Сначала освойте менее требовательных цихлид.
Goldie editorial team — collective profile photo
AuthorGoldie Editorial

Goldie editorial team

Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication

Goldie Science Board — collective scientific review panel
Reviewed byGoldie Science Board

Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians

Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown

Sources

  1. FishBase: Symphysodon aequifasciatus · FishBase · 2026-05-22
  2. Seriously Fish: Symphysodon aequifasciatus · Seriously Fish · 2026-05-22