Symphysodon Aequifasciatus (Discus)

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Symphysodon Aequifasciatus (Discus)

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Species: Symphysodon Aequifasciatus

Geo. Location: Amazon Basin

PH: 6.0 - 6.5

Temperature: 77 - 84F

Water Hardness: 0 - 3dh

Size: 6.0"

Diet: Likes variety, especially live food

Difficulty: 4

Photo Credit: FishandTips.com

Notes: With its reputation as a high demanding fish, Discus scare lots of hobbyists. This fish is certainly one of the tougher to acclimate but it is not that hard to keep and lots of people do a great job at it. A good advice is to start with medium sized (2-3 inches) Discus (Red Turquoise is often advised) because it's been noticed than young and adults are more difficult to acclimate.
Discus are often considered as the most beautiful of all freshwater fish. It is called The King of the Cichlids by many hobbyists.
There is 2 different species of natural Discus (wild): the first species is called Symphysodon Aequifasciatus and is found in the Amazon. Three subspecies can be observed: Aequifasciatus (Green Discus), Axelrodi (Brown Discus) and Haraldi (Blue Discus).
The other species is called Symphysodon Discus and it is usaually found in Rio Negro (South America). This species has two subspecies: Discus (True Discus or Heckel Discus) and Willischwartzi. The acclimatation of this species is more difficult than the one of the Aequifasciatus.
These two species constitute the natural discus family. With the years, man have developped their own species and that why we now see Blue Turquoise or Pigeon Blood Discus in fish stores. (to learn more about Discus classification please click here or here).
Discus natural habitats are the waters of a planted calm river or lake. It will be therefore essential to have a well planted tank when raising Discus. Driftwood and grass as well as floating plants are much appreciated. Some free swimming spaces are also required. The tank should be tall and large. At least 20 gallon of water per fish or 35 for a pair. Some low lighted areas are recommended for this shy cichlid. Discus can either be raised in community or species tanks, however its mate should be very well selected. Cardinal Tetras (Paracheirodon Axelrodi) and Rams (Microgeophagus Ramirezi) are great companions. Discus mates should not bother them and must resoect their habit of eating slowly.
Discus prefer to be in groups of at least 5 and are very sensitive to water quality. Frequent water change will help them develop properly. Be careful when buying Discus as fish stores tanks sometimes vehicle diseases and Discus are very sensitive to Ich and other type of diseases. Always look for little white dots and general attitude when buying Discus. Observation is critical.

Breeding: Sexual differentiation is quite difficult in Symphysodons. Your best bet is to watch their genital papillae's shape during the spawning season. It is round for the females and pointed for the males. Another useful trick is to put a group of approximately 6 fish in a large tank (100 or 150 gal). After a fews days, they will pair. As soon as they pair, remove the pair in a tank where the ph will be approximately 6.0, water hardness 1-3dh and a water temperature of 86F.
This tank will have to be equiped with vertical spawning materials (rocks, flower pot...). Sometimes Discus even spawn on the glass of the tank.. The spot is chosen by the parents and meticulusly cleaned. The female lays 100 to 200 eggs in several steps. As soon as she is done spawning, the male fertilizes the eggs.
The fry usually hatch in 2 to 3 days. Once the fry is free swimming, the parents feed their babies with a sort of body slime that their skin produces. The fry should eat on their parents skin for approximately 10 days before the parents are removed from the tank. Start feeding the young Discus with baby brine shrimps.
Regular water changes are a must to raise the fry properly. After a week, the fry is usually as tall as 1cm. Discus breeding remains one of the most rewarding Fish keeping experience.

Click Here or here for a list of Discus Breeders.