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| Symphysodon aequifasciatus (Blue Discus) |
| Family: |
Cichlidae |
| Maximum Size: |
1.5" (4.2cm) |
| Distribution: |
Amazon basin of South America, from Peru through Brazil to Rio Capim |
| Temperature Range: |
79-84oF (26-29oC) |
| pH Range: |
5.0 to 7.0 |
| Water Hardness: |
0 to 12.0 dH |
 Blue Discus is actually the common name for one of the subspecies of S. aequifasciatus, S. aequifasciatus heraldi. There are two other subspecies, S. aequifasciatus axelrodi, the Brown Discus, and S. aequifasciatus aequifasciatus, the Green Discus. Discus are among the most popular of all aquarium fish. They have been bred extensively in aquariums, and thus there are a bewildering array of hybrids, crosses, and color morphs. In the wild, Discus are found in deeper water among rock rubble or tangled tree roots. They are normally schooling fish, but do become territorial during spawning season. These fish are more delicate than other popular aquarium species, and are definitely not for beginners. Because they are prone to internal parasites and other environmental diseases, they require scrupulously clean water. Some suggest a 25-30% water change every week. Their natural diet consists of insects, larvae, and planktonic invertebrates. The captive diet should consist of a good quality prepared food, supplemented with rinsed frozen brine shrimp or frozen blood worms. Discus should never be fed tubifex worms, black worms, daphnia or freshwater live foods in general because such foods can contain internal parasites. Chopped beef heart is considered by some to be the best food for Discus, but as a general rule, terrestrial (i.e. mammal) protein sources are not the best staple diet for fish. Also, beef heart quickly fouls the water. It is best to use beef heart as a weekly treat right before a water change.
While Discus are not the easiest species to breed, they are bred in aquariums with some regularity. The easiest way to obtain a breeding pair is to let a small group of Discus grow up together and pair off on their own. It should be noted that Discus will occasionally form couples with two females (not that there's anything wrong with that). If both members of a breeding pair are laying eggs, remove one of them and let a new pair form. The spawning site, often a long, narrow piece of slate, will be carefully cleaned and prepared by the pair in preparation for spawning. Discus have been known to spawn on plants, the aquarium glass, or any other surface they deem acceptable for the purpose. Discus fry feed off of mucous secretions from the skin of their parents. This being the case, the fry should be left with the parents until the parents start to look stressed from the constant feeding frenzy. |
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