All fish / Cichlidae

Heckel Discus

Symphysodon discus

Also known as red discus, heckel discus, true discus, pineapple discus, discus, heckle discus, blue-faced heckel, ปลาปอมปาดัวร์, ikan discus, ヘッケルディスカス, ディスカス, 七彩神仙鱼

A tall, rounded cichlid with fine blue lines on a brown to reddish body and a very dark, wide central bar, which sets it apart from other discus. Hobbyists keep wild Heckels as a showpiece for soft, warm blackwater aquariums and value them for their natural look.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

28 to 31 °C

pH

4.5 to 6.5

Smallest tank

250 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Carnivore: quality granules, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis and beef heart mixes

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: Rio Negro, lower Trombetas and other blackwater tributaries of the Amazon

Breeding

Pairs lay eggs on a vertical surface and both parents guard the fry, which feed on mucus from the parents' skin at first. This species is hard to breed in captivity and needs very soft, acidic water with almost no hardness.

Good to know

Needs very clean, warm, soft water, and frequent water changes are essential. Most fish sold as discus are domestic strains of Symphysodon aequifasciatus, so check what you are buying.