Blue Discus Care Guide
Symphysodon aequifasciatus is the wild blue/brown discus of the eastern Amazon, a demanding warm-water cichlid kept in groups.
Overview
Symphysodon aequifasciatus, the blue or brown discus, is a laterally compressed Amazonian cichlid described by Pellegrin in 1904. It is the wild-type form behind many ornamental discus, with horizontal blue striping over a brownish base. Its taxonomy is disputed, and a 2011 study proposed splitting it into more than one population.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Symphysodon
- Scientific name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus
- Common synonyms: Brown Discus, Common Discus
Habitat
The species inhabits rivers of the eastern and central Amazon Basin downriver from the Purus Arch. It favours lentic habitats such as floodplains and flooded forests rather than main river channels, and occurs in blackwater, clearwater and whitewater systems, sheltering in deep areas around tree roots and rocks.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L (about 66 gal)
- Temperature: 28-31 °C (82-88 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 1-6 °dGH
- Group size: at least 5 individuals
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Wikipedia gives the species a broad tolerance of about 25-32 °C and pH 5.2-7.7; the narrower aquarium ranges above suit the wild blue discus, which prefers soft, warm water.
Size
Wild specimens typically reach about 15 cm (around 6 in) standard length, though well-kept captive fish can grow larger.
Diet
Discus are omnivores. Wild fish feed on zooplankton, insects and other small invertebrates. In the aquarium they take a varied diet of invertebrate foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp, with some vegetable content.
Compatibility
Discus are highly gregarious cichlids and, uniquely among American cichlids, occur in groups that may number many dozens of individuals. They are shy and skittish, so they should be kept in groups of at least five with ample cover and calm, peaceful tankmates.
Breeding
Discus are substrate spawners with intensive biparental care. Both parents guard the eggs and fry, and the larvae feed for their first weeks on a skin secretion produced by the parents, often called discus milk, before transitioning to independent feeding.