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.
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.