Discus
Symphysodon spp.
Also sold as Pigeon blood discus · Blue diamond discus · Red turquoise discus
Synonyms Symphysodon aequifasciatus · Symphysodon discus · Heckel discus · Pompadour fish · Discus fish
Discus (Symphysodon spp.) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 20 cm (7.9 in) and swims in open water in a shoal. It wants 82–88°F (28–31°C) and pH 5.5–7, is kept in groups of 6 or more, and needs a tank of at least 300 L (79 gal).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Minimum tank | 300 L (79 gal) |
| Group size | 6 or more |
| Temperature | 82–88°F (28–31°C) |
| pH | 5.5–7 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| GH | 1–8 |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Eats shrimp | Yes |
Before it goes in
- Discus needs at least 300 L (79 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 90 Gallon.
- Keep 6 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
- It holds at 82–88°F (28–31°C). That shares a window with Betta and Angelfish, but not with Cherry Shrimp and Goldfish.
- It can go wrong with Cherry Shrimp, Chili Rasbora and Crystal Red Shrimp — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
- A group of 6 takes up roughly 85% of what a 90 Gallon will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
Discus: care and setup
What tank size does it need?
At least 300 L (79 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 90 Gallon.
How many should I keep?
6 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.
What water does it want?
82–88°F (28–31°C), pH 5.5–7, GH 1–8.
How long does it live?
10–15 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Molly, Ramshorn Snail, Rummy Nose Tetra, Forktail Rainbowfish and Nerite Snail.
- Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.
Often compared with
| Discus | Goldfish | Elephantnose Fish | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 20 cm | 20 cm | 22.5 cm |
| Min tank | 300 L | 150 L | 243 L |
| Group | 6+ | 2+ | 1+ |
| Temperature | 82–88°F (28–31°C) | 50–73°F (10–23°C) | 73–82°F (23–28°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Yes | Yes | Yes |