All fish / Cichlidae

Discus

Symphysodon aequifasciatus

Also known as discus fish, pompadour, 七彩神仙, 七彩神仙鱼, 铁饼鱼, ikan discus

The 'king of the aquarium': a round, flat cichlid bred in many strains (pigeon blood, blue diamond, red melon, snakeskin).

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

18 cm

Temperature

28 to 31 °C

pH

5 to 7

Smallest tank

250 litres

Keep as

Groups of 6 or more

Diet

Carnivore: discus pellets, beefheart mix, bloodworm

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon basin

Breeding

Pairs spawn on a cone; fry feed on mucus from the parents' skin for the first week or two.

Good to know

Needs warm, very clean water with large, regular water changes. Buy from a breeder who can tell you the strain and age.