Family: Cichlidae
Distribution: Symphysodon discus, commonly known as Red Discus, is a freshwater species found in the Amazon River basin, Brazil, in the lower Abacaxis River and in the lower Trombetas River; it is distributed in slow rivers and tributaries.
PH: 5.0 – 6.5
Temperature: 27°C – 33C (81 – 91F)
Hardness: 3 – 15 dH
Description: Symphysodon discus can reach a maximum length of around 13 cm in an aquarium. This timid cichlid can live for up to 10 years. It is a beautiful, elegant species with a bright red colouration; it will display striped vertical markings and some brown, blue and black colours. It is very difficult to sex; during the mating process, males will display a long, narrow genital papilla, while the females have a shorter, stubbier papilla.
Diet: The Red Discus has a tiny mouth and must be given small, digestible foods. This carnivore can be given bloodworm, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp and beef heart to help its colouration.
Breeding: Symphysodon discus, an egg-layer, will spawn on rocks or plants. You should ensure the pH level is around 6.0 and water hardness is down to about 3 – 4 dH. The female will lay 150 – 450 eggs on a clean spawning site; both parents will take care of the eggs. The fry, once free swimming, will eat slime off the sides of the parents; it can be given small foods a week later.
Comments: A group of Symphysodon discus should be kept in a decent sized tank, preferably tall and roomy, of around 30 – 40 gallons. This species will need soft, acidic water to thrive, but can be reasonably hardy when it comes to water conditions. You should make sure your tank is similar to its natural environment – add branches and plants to simulate this ecosystem – and will prefer life in a dimly lit tank. This species is difficult to look after and is therefore suitable for hobbyists with experience.
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Recommended Compatible Species: The Red Discus is a peaceful, timid species that should be kept only with fish of a similar temperament. They will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetraand Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, CorydorasCatfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppyand Platyand most Gourami(such as the Blue Gourami and Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio(particularly the Zebra Danioand Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-01-26 12:01:59. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
