Overview
The discus is a large, flat, round cichlid from the slow, warm backwaters of the Amazon River in South America. Its name comes from its shape, which looks like a plate or a discus turned on its side. Wild discus come in soft browns, blues, and greens with fine wavy lines, and they are widely seen as one of the most elegant freshwater fish in the world.
Discus are a bit of a challenge and are usually kept by more experienced aquarists. They need very warm, very clean, soft water and prefer to live in a calm group. They are peaceful and even a little shy, so a quiet tank and gentle tankmates help them relax and show off their gliding, graceful swimming.
| Care level | Advanced |
| Adult size | 6-8 in (15-20 cm) |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful but shy |
| Min. tank | 55 gal (210 L) |
| Temperature | 82-88°F (28-31°C) |
| pH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Diet | Carnivore leaning omnivore |
| Schooling | Yes, keep 5 or more |
Water and tank
Discus need warmer water than most fish, around the middle to high 80s Fahrenheit, plus soft and slightly acidic conditions. Cleanliness is everything, so they need strong filtration and frequent water changes. A tall tank of at least 55 gallons suits their tall, round bodies and love of open swimming space.
Aquascape and setup
A calm setup with tall driftwood, large plants like Amazon swords, and a darker background makes discus feel at home. They dislike a lot of clutter and strong current. Dried leaves and driftwood can tint the water, gently mimicking the tea-colored Amazon streams they come from.
Diet
Discus lean toward meaty foods. Feed them high-quality discus flakes and pellets along with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and special beef-heart mixes made for them. Feeding small amounts several times a day keeps these slow, careful eaters well fed and colorful.
Tankmates and temperament
Being peaceful and shy, discus do best with calm, warmth-loving tankmates such as cardinal tetras, rummynose tetras, and corydoras catfish. Avoid fast, pushy, or fin-nipping fish that would stress them out or steal their food during their slow meals.
Parents that feed their babies
Discus are famous for an amazing trick. After the eggs hatch, the parents produce a special slime on their skin, and the tiny babies swim up and feed directly off their parents' bodies. Few fish care for their young in such a close and remarkable way.
Fun facts
- Discus are named for their flat, round, plate-like body shape.
- Baby discus feed on a special slime made on their parents' skin.
- They need warmer water than most tropical fish, up near the high 80s Fahrenheit.
- They are peaceful, gentle cichlids that prefer to live in a calm group.
- Wild discus live in the quiet, tea-colored backwaters of the Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Are discus hard to keep?
They are one of the more demanding freshwater fish. They need very warm, very clean, soft water and careful feeding, so they suit aquarists who already have some experience.
Why do discus need such warm water?
They come from warm Amazon backwaters and thrive in the middle to high 80s Fahrenheit. Cooler water can stress them and make them prone to disease.
Do discus really feed their babies with slime?
Yes. After hatching, the fry feed on a nutritious mucus the parents make on their skin. It is one of the most remarkable parenting behaviors of any fish.
How many discus should I keep together?
At least five. They are social and shy, and a small group helps them feel safe and reduces bullying compared to keeping just two or three.
