The eggs should hatch within a few days after spawning and the fry will take another few days to develop before they become free swimming. Some Discus fish owners add an upturned clay pot in the breeding tank to encourage them to lay eggs as it provides a hard surface.įollowing spawning, the discus fish will guard their eggs. To serve as egg-laying surfaces, include driftwood, flat rocks, or vertical cones. The breeding tank’s bottom should be bare to facilitate cleaning. Check that the water, temperature, and food are all optimal. When two of your group become territorial, move them to a breeding tank that is at least 36 x 18 x 18 inches in size. Male and female discus both take two to three years to reach sexual maturity, and there’s no noticeable difference between the sexes. It is, however, challenging to identify a breeding pair. Captive bred discus will pair up and spawn relatively easily, but young, inexperienced parents may eat their eggs the first few times, particularly if other fish are present. Test the water parameters frequently to ensure you maintain a healthy and thriving environment for your fish.ĭiscus fish are difficult to breed. Now, it’s not impossible for Discus to keep healthy with slightly higher pH and GH levels. The pH levels can range from 6.0 – 7.0 and the GH can range from 3 – 8. pH and Hardnessĭiscus fish prefer soft, acidic water. Hardy plants such as bucephalandra, anubias, and java fern can be used. Keep in mind that most aquarium plants don’t do well with higher temperatures. Take note that warmer water’s ability to hold oxygen is lower – make sure that your tank is well aerated. Yes, unlike most other tropical fish, Discus prefer warmer water. The ideal temperature for Discus fish is between 84 – 86 ☏. Their disc shape gives them a tall appearance – so shallow tanks are not ideal. A general rule of thumb is 10 gallons per 1 fish. Considering the size that Discus can grow, a minimum of 55 gallons are required for a tank of 6 Discus. Plants Yes, live plants (oxygen supply, Nitrate reduction, compliments Discus’ colors) and driftwood (lowers pH and GH of water). They don’t do well in tanks where nitrogen levels are spiking or unstable. Tank Size 10 gallons (45.4 liters) per Discus Temperature 84 – 86 ☏ (28 – 31 ☌) pH 6.0 – 7.0 Water Type Freshwater Hardness Soft, 3 – 8 GH Substrate Sand, pebbles, rocks (they are foragers) Filter Yes, a filter is required as Discus produce a large amount of waste and stir up the substrate. That’s where a quarantine tank can be very valuable. Please ensure that before adding any new fish to a tank, it’s properly cycled. Shy and submissive Discus fish that cannot compete will need to be separated from the “ tank bullies.” But, as with any fish in the Cichlidae family, they’ll compete with each other to establish a “tank boss.” Naturally, they also become territorial during breeding. Their peaceful personalities (and beauty) make up for their difficulty in keeping. This means that you can find a diverse type of Discus that will make any aquarium breathtakingly beautiful! Behavior Of course, Discus fish are popularly known for their variety of colors and patterns. They have rounded anal and dorsal fins and have a pronounced caudal fin and pelvic. Some may vary with a rounder or more elongated appearance. Appearanceĭiscus fish got their name from, well, their flat and disc-shaped appearance. Discus fish hide away in shaded areas and breaks in the water flow created by fallen trees or small inlets. tend to congregate near fallen trees, known as “galhadas”, along the shore. The red Discus is native to the Rio Negro area.Īll these guys prefer quiet waters and are rarely seen in waters with strong currents. The blue Discus gravitate toward the eastern side of the basin and the green Discus more toward the western side. Tarzoo (green Discus) Common Names Discus fish, Pompadour fish, King of the aquarium Location Amazon river basin, South America Size 4.6 – 8 inches (12.3 – 15.2 centimeters) Life Expectancy 10 – 15 years average (in captivity) Appearance Round/Disc-shape, flat sides Color Blue, brown, red, green, and other colors with a variety of patterns and markings Diet Omnivores Behavior Peaceful and shy (may become territorial when breeding) Tank Size 10 gallons (45.4 liters) per Discus Temperature 82 – 88 ☏ (28 – 31 ☌) pH 6.0 – 7.0 Water Type Freshwater Hardness Soft, 3 – 8 GH Care Level Difficult Breeding Difficult Natural Habitatĭiscus fish can be found in the Amazon river basin, including the Rio Negro area. Aequifasciatus (blue or brown Discus), S. Thank With Google Discus Fish Care Guide: Overview Family Cichlidae Scientific Name Symphysodon Species S.
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