Green Discus Care Guide
Symphysodon tarzoo is the green discus from the western Amazon, a red-spotted wild discus that practises exceptional biparental brood care.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
The green discus, Symphysodon tarzoo, is one of three discus species recognised by FishBase following a 2006 taxonomic review, alongside S. aequifasciatus and S. discus. It is described as the red-spotted western population and inhabits the western Amazon basin upriver from the Purus Arch. Discus are laterally compressed cichlids prized for their disc-shaped body and intricate patterning.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Symphysodon
- Scientific name: Symphysodon tarzoo
- Common names: Green discus, Tarzoo discus
Habitat
Wild discus inhabit soft, acidic blackwater environments of the Amazon basin, typically with a pH around 5.0 to 6.0. Captive-bred discus show greater adaptability and tolerate more neutral conditions than wild-caught fish.
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: keep at least 5 individuals
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
Discus are omnivores. Studies of stomach contents show they primarily feed on algae, other plant material and detritus, but invertebrates can make up a substantial seasonal portion of the diet, up to about 38 percent. In the aquarium a varied diet of prepared and frozen foods is offered in several daily feedings.
Compatibility
Green discus are peaceful, mid-water cichlids best kept in a group of five or more in warm, soft water. They suit calm tankmates that share their high temperature and water-quality requirements, such as cardinal tetras, rummy-nose tetras and Corydoras, and should be kept away from boisterous or fin-nipping species.
Breeding
Discus are substrate spawners that exhibit exceptional parental care. After the eggs hatch, both parents produce a nutritious mucus secretion from the skin, sometimes called discus milk, on which the larvae feed during their first weeks of life.
Green Discus Breeding Guide
Overview
Green discus (Symphysodon tarzoo, also treated within the S. aequifasciatus complex) is a substrate-spawning cichlid of the upper Amazon. It is regarded as an advanced subject: spawning depends on a compatible pair, very soft acidic water and stable conditions. As with most cichlids, brood care is highly developed, and both parents tend the eggs and fry together.
Sexing
Discus are difficult to sex. Once fish exceed roughly 10 cm, females tend to retain rounder dorsal fins while males develop more pointed ones; males often appear larger with thicker lips. The only definitive confirmation comes from observing the breeding tube during spawning. Sexual maturity is reached at around one year.
Conditioning
Condition prospective breeders on varied foods, including live or frozen items such as brine shrimp. Keeping a group and allowing a pair to form naturally is the most reliable route to a bonded, productive couple.
Breeding Setup
- Dedicated breeding tank around 100 L with a sponge filter and dim lighting
- Soft, acidic water; temperature 28-30 °C (82-86 °F)
- A vertical or flat spawning surface (cone, flat stone or piece of slate)
- Quiet location with minimal disturbance
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
When ready, colours intensify and courtship includes circling and vibrating. The pair cleans a chosen surface and spawns, typically in the morning. Approximately 100-200 bright, sticky eggs are deposited on the surface.
Egg & Fry Care
Eggs hatch after about three days, and the larvae remain attached at the spawning site before swimming freely after roughly 5-7 days. Both adults produce a nutrient-rich skin secretion ("discus milk") on which the larvae graze for their first weeks. Parents stay close early on and gradually swim away, weaning the young off the secretion.
Common Challenges
Stable water chemistry is more important than hitting an exact numerical target; instability stresses developing fry. Forming a compatible pair can be slow, and inexperienced parents may eat early spawns before settling into reliable care.