Discus

Symphysodon discus

The discus, Symphysodon discus, is a deep-bodied cichlid from the slow, warm blackwater habitats of the Amazon basin. Wild forms are laterally compressed, round in outline, and patterned with vertical bars that help them blend among roots and shaded flooded forest. In aquarium use, the name discus is also applied to closely related Symphysodon species and to many selectively bred color strains, including blue, red, pigeon blood, and spotted lines. Their calm movement and strong pair-bonding behavior make them a centerpiece fish rather than a background community species.

Keeping discus well depends on stability. They are usually housed in groups in tall, warm aquariums with very clean water, low stress, and tankmates that tolerate similar temperatures. Many breeders use soft, acidic water for spawning, while captive-bred juveniles may adapt to a wider range if changes are gradual. Pairs lay eggs on vertical surfaces, and fry feed from the parents' skin mucus during their earliest days, a trait that shapes discus breeding practice. Buyers should look for alert fish with full bodies, clear eyes, and steady breathing, as thin or darkened specimens can be difficult to recover.