Red discus (Symphysodon discus)

Scientific name: Symphysodon discus Heckel, 1840

Red discus (Symphysodon discus)

The Red discus (Symphysodon discus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 18 cm (7.1 in). It is moderate to keep and peaceful and needs a tank of at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 27–33°C (81–91°F) and a pH of 4.2–6.5. Native range: South America, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela.

Red discus care at a glance

Care level
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful
Adult size
18 cm (7.1 in)
Minimum tank
210 L (55 US gal)
Temperature
27–33°C (81–91°F)
pH
4.2–6.5
Diet
Carnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Feeds on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter. Maximum length 20 cm TL.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Symphysodon discus
Family
Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
12.3
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 4.2 - 6.2; dH range: 0 - 1 benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Amazon River basin in Brazil, near the mouth of the Negro River, in the lower Abacaxis River, and in the lower Trombetas River.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

More south & central american cichlids

See all south & central american cichlids

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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