Discus
Symphysodon sp.
Minimum Tank
55 Gallons
Adult Size
8 inches
Temperature
82-88°F (28-31°C)
pH Range
5.5-7.0
Lifespan
10 years
School Size
5+ fish
About Discus
The discus is widely regarded as the king of freshwater aquarium fish, native to the calm, warm, blackwater tributaries of the Amazon River basin. Their distinctive round, laterally compressed bodies and extraordinary color patterns have made them objects of fascination for generations of aquarists. Wild discus come in three main species with varied earth tones of brown, green, and blue, while decades of selective breeding have produced dazzling varieties including pigeon blood, turquoise, snakeskin, and solid red. Discus are social, intelligent fish that form complex hierarchies within their groups and can recognize individual humans. Their demanding care requirements and stunning beauty have made them the benchmark against which serious fishkeepers measure their skills.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 55-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 82-88°F (28-31°C)
- • pH: 5.5 - 7.0
- • Category: Cichlid
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Discus require warm water at 82-88°F, which limits compatible tankmates to heat-tolerant species like cardinal tetras and sterbai corydoras. Keep them in groups of at least five in a tank of 55 gallons or larger with very clean water. Nitrates should stay below 15 ppm, requiring frequent water changes of 25-50% multiple times per week. They are sensitive to stress, so place the tank in a low-traffic area and avoid sudden movements near the aquarium. Feed a high-protein diet of quality pellets, frozen bloodworms, and beef heart mix two to three times daily. Young discus need frequent feeding for proper growth. They are susceptible to internal parasites and bacterial infections, so quarantine all new fish thoroughly.
Quick Facts
208L
Min Tank (55gal)
20cm
Adult Size (8")
10yr
Lifespan
5+
Min School
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Find compatible tankmates for your Discus
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Tank Mates for Discus
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Discus need?
A Discus needs a minimum tank size of 55 gallons (208 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 5.
What water parameters does a Discus need?
Discus thrive in water between 82-88°F (28-31°C) with a pH of 5.5-7.0.
Are Discus easy to care for?
Discus are considered hard to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 10 years.
How big do Discus get and what do they eat?
Discus reach about 8 inches and are omnivores. Discus require warm water at 82-88°F, which limits compatible tankmates to heat-tolerant species like cardinal tetras and sterbai corydoras. Keep them in groups of at least five in a tank of 55 gallons or larger with very clean water. Nitrates should stay below 15 ppm, requiring frequent water changes of 25-50% multiple times per week. They are sensitive to stress, so place the tank in a low-traffic area and avoid sudden movements near the aquarium. Feed a high-protein diet of quality pellets, frozen bloodworms, and beef heart mix two to three times daily. Young discus need frequent feeding for proper growth. They are susceptible to internal parasites and bacterial infections, so quarantine all new fish thoroughly.