Discus Fish

Scientific name: Symphysodon aequifasciata alenquer Common name: Discus Family: Cichlidae Usual size in fish tanks: 13 - 15 cm (5.12 - 5.91 inch) 0 14 Recommended pH range for the species: 5.5 - 7.5 Recommended water hardness (dGH): 0 - 8°N (0 - 142.86ppm) 0°C 32°F 30°C 86°F Recommended temperature: 27 - 30 °C (80.6 - 86°F) The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning Where the species comes from: South America Temperament to its own species: peaceful Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful Usual place in the tank: Middle levels The discus is described as the king of the aquarium. They are spherical in shape and fairly flat as compared to other cichlids. All species listed exist in different colour variants. Discus fish may be kept on their own in a species tank, or with other docile companions. They should not be kept with fish that have a pugnacious tendency or fast moving fish. The discus requires a large aquarium with efficient filtration, good water quality and frequent water changes. Discus fish generally need a high protein diet including a good quality flake/pellet, bloodworms, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae. Discus should be kept in groups of five or more for their personalities to develop. Discuses are easily bred and may take to spawning after having paired off and matured sexually. They should be provided with a spawning cone. The discus makes a devoted parent and tend to their young. The young feed off secretions from the skin of their parents. ©Stokes(2005) Picture Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk