The Ultimate Guide to Discus Fish for Beginners

Discus fish are considered by many hobbyists to be the ultimate freshwater fish – the pinnacle of fishkeeping. Generally, these fish are not recommended for beginners, but with the right know-how and a very manageable amount of effort, even beginners can successfully keep these fish.

Let’s find out exactly how.

At a Glance

Natural Habitat

Discus fish are native to the Amazon River basin in South America, specifically in the rivers and tributaries of the western Amazon region, such as Rio Negro, Solimões, and tributaries of the Madeira and Tapajós. They are found in slow-moving water bodies with high levels of dissolved organic matter, providing the Discus fish with warm, soft, acidic water.

Discus fish are primarily found in swamps and backwaters, where they feed on small aquatic organisms such as insects, crustaceans, and worms. They have also adapted to live in flooded forests during the rainy season, where they must survive in higher pH and harder water than during the rest of the year.

The natural habitat of the Discus fish is known for the dark, stained water, which provides the fish with a sense of security and helps to intensify their colors.

In the wild, Discus fish typically live in large schools and are known for their social and peaceful behavior, although they can be territorial when breeding. Due to the destruction of the natural habitat and over-fishing, wild populations of Discus fish are under threat, and much of the Discus fish found in the aquarium trade today are commercially raised in captivity.

Physical Description Of Discus

Discus fish have unique, disc-shaped bodies and are known for their vibrant colors. They are part of the cichlid family and can grow to be 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in diameter. They have a body shape that is flattened from side to side. This gives them a disc-like appearance.

The head is rounded, with large eyes and a small mouth equipped with small teeth. Their dorsal fin is located at the back of their body, and it is tall, pointed and slightly curved. The anal fin is located near the tail, and it is also tall and pointed. The caudal fin is fan-shaped. The pectoral fins are located near the head and are small and rounded.

The coloration of Discus fish can vary widely, depending on the species or variety, it can be red, green, blue, yellow, brown, and many color combinations and patterns. Some Discus fish also have marbled, snakeskin, or mottled patterns on their bodies, while others may have a solid color.

Discus fish can be a very attractive addition to any aquarium and are considered one of the most beautiful aquarium fish due to their unique shape, vibrant colors and graceful swimming behavior.

Discus Behaviour and Temperament

Discus fish are known for their peaceful and social behavior in the wild. They typically live in large schools and can often be observed swimming in harmony with one another. However, when it comes to breeding and mating, Discus can be more territorial and protective of their nest and young.

In an aquarium, Discus fish should be kept in a group of at least six individuals, as they are schooling fish and do better in the company of their own kind. They should be kept with other peaceful and non-aggressive fish, as aggressive or territorial fish can stress them out and make them more susceptible to disease.

Discus fish are also known for their shy and timid behavior. They can be sensitive to changes in their environment and may become stressed if not provided with a stable and consistent environment. They can be easily spooked by sudden movements or bright lights and are known to hide when feeling threatened.

When comfortable, the Discus are quite curious and active. They enjoy exploring their surroundings and can be observed swimming around the tank and interacting with their tank mates.

Discus Tank Mates

When selecting tank mates for Discus fish, choose peaceful, non-aggressive species that will not stress them out or compete with them for food. Some good options for Discus tank mates include:

• Angelfish: Angelfish are a popular choice for Discus tank mates, as they are also native to the Amazon River basin and have similar water requirements. They are known for their peaceful behavior and can be kept with Discus without any issues.
  
• Tetras: Tetras are small, colorful fish that are also native to South America. Their peaceful behavior makes them a great option for Discus tank mates. Some suitable species include neon tetras, cardinal tetras, and rummy nose tetras.
  
  Generally, tetras end up being eaten by fish as large as the Discus. But Discus fish have small mouths and won’t go after the tetras.
  
• Rasboras: Rasboras are small, peaceful fish that are native to Asia. They have similar water requirements as Discus fish and can be kept together without issues. Some suitable species include harlequin rasboras and scissortail rasboras.
  
• Corydoras: Corydoras are small, peaceful catfish that are native to South America. They are great scavengers and can help to keep the tank clean by eating leftover food. Some suitable species include the bronze corydoras, the bandit corydoras, and the panda corydoras.

Breeding Discus pairs may become territorial and protective over their nest and eggs. It’s best to separate them from any tankmates during this process.

It’s also advisable to avoid keeping Discus fish with aggressive or territorial species, such as other cichlids, as they can cause stress and make them more susceptible to disease.

Discus Aquarium Setup

Setting up a proper aquarium for Discus fish is crucial to their well-being and survival. As a beginner, this is where you should take extra care, as this is the factor that will decide how successful you are. Here are some tips for setting up a Discus aquarium:

• Tank size: Discus fish are relatively large and need a lot of space to swim, so keeping them in a tank that is at least 55 gallons is recommended. The larger the tank, the better, as it will provide more water parameter stability and more space for your fish to swim.
  
• Water quality: Discus fish require clean and well-filtered water. The pH level should be between 6 and 7, and the water should be soft and slightly acidic. Invest in a good filtration system to keep the water clean and healthy and also to perform regular water changes.
  
• Lighting:  Discus fish do not require intense lighting, and they can do well under low to moderate lighting. In the wild, these fish get subdued lighting and can get very stressed if it is too strong.
  You should also avoid placing the tank in direct sunlight, as this can cause the water temperature to fluctuate and also contribute to the growth of unwanted algae.
  
• Substrate: Discus fish prefer a fine gravel or sand substrate, which can help to create a natural look and feel. The substrate should be cleaned regularly to prevent the build-up of debris.
  
• Decorations: Discus fish prefer a natural-looking environment, and you should provide plenty of hiding spots, such as caves, rocks, and plants, for them to retreat to when they feel stressed or threatened. Live plants can also help to oxygenate the water and create a more natural environment for the fish.

Setting up a proper Discus aquarium requires some planning and a good understanding of the Discus fish needs. You can ensure that your Discus fish will thrive by providing the right water parameters and a suitable environment.

Ideal Discus Water Parameters

Discus fish are sensitive to water conditions and require specific water parameters to thrive. It is important to maintain these parameters within the optimal range in order to ensure the health and well-being of your Discus fish. The ideal water parameters for Discus fish are:

• Temperature: Discus fish prefer a water temperature between 82°F and 86°F (28-30°C). It is important to use a high-quality heater to maintain a consistent temperature
  
• pH: The optimal pH range for Discus fish is between 6 and 7. Discus fish prefer slightly acidic water, and a pH level that is too high could be stressful and make them more susceptible to diseases
  
• Water hardness (GH): Discus fish require soft water, with a general hardness (GH) between 4 and 8 dGH.
  
• Water quality: These fish require clean water. There should be no ammonia or nitrites, and the nitrate levels should be as low as possible. A weekly 20% water change is necessary to achieve this.

It’s a good idea to test the water regularly, using a test kit, to ensure that the parameters remain within the ideal range. If you notice any unusual changes in the water parameters, it’s best to take immediate action to correct the problem.

Discus Aquarium Cycling & Maintenance

Cycling an aquarium is the process of establishing beneficial bacteria colonies that help to break down harmful waste products such as ammonia and nitrite in the water. This process is essential to recreate the ecosystem vital for the survival of fish.

Here are the steps to cycling an aquarium for Discus fish:

1. Set up the aquarium: Install all the necessary equipment, such as a heater, filter, and substrate. Be sure to also add any decorations, such as rocks and plants.
2. Add a source of ammonia: Add a source of ammonia to the aquarium, such as fish food or pure ammonia, to begin the cycling process. The bacteria will use the ammonia as a food source and begin to multiply.
3. Test the water regularly: Test the water regularly using a test kit to measure the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. As the cycling process progresses, the ammonia levels will begin to drop, and nitrite levels will begin to rise.
4. Wait for nitrifying bacteria: Once the ammonia levels have dropped and nitrite levels have risen, a second colony of bacteria will be established, breaking down nitrites into nitrates.
   This step can be sped up by using pre-used filter media or decorations from an already cycled tank.
5. Continue testing the water: Continue testing the water regularly to monitor the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. As the cycling process nears completion, the nitrite levels will begin to drop, and nitrate levels will begin to rise.
6. Perform a water change: Once the nitrite levels have dropped to 0 ppm, it’s a sign that your aquarium has fully cycled. Perform a large water change, and you can add your Discus fish to your newly cycled tank.

After the tank has been cycled, it’s important to maintain a regular schedule of water changes. Test the water parameters and observe the fish for any signs of stress or illness. Feeding should also be moderate to keep the waste products to a minimum. 

Additionally, the filter should be cleaned once every three months, and the filter media replaced once every six months. However, cleaning or replacing only half of the filter media is vital to leave enough beneficial bacteria to keep the nitrogen cycle going.

Discus also benefit from the use of chemical filtration in the form of activated charcoal as it keeps the pH under check while also giving the water that crystal clear look.

Aquascaping A Discus Fish Tank

Aquascaping is the art of creating a natural-looking environment in an aquarium. When it comes to Discus fish, the right aquascape can help to create a sense of security and provide the fish with plenty of hiding spots and open swimming areas.

Here are some tips for aquascaping a Discus fish tank:

• Use natural-looking decorations: Discus fish prefer a natural-looking environment, so it’s important to use decorations such as rocks, wood, and live plants to create an environment that resembles their natural habitat. This will help to create a sense of security and reduce stress for the fish.
• Create hiding spots: Discus fish can be shy and timid, so it’s important to provide plenty of hiding spots for them to retreat to when they feel threatened. This can be done using caves, rocks, and plants. Be mindful of their size when designing these hiding spots.
• Provide open swimming areas: Discus fish are active swimmers and need plenty of space to move around. It’s important to provide open swimming areas for them to explore and interact with their tank mates.
• Use a substrate that mimics their natural habitat: Discus fish are native to the Amazon River basin, and they prefer a fine gravel or sand substrate that mimics the look of a slow-moving blackwater river. You can also add leaves or peat to create a more natural look and help lower the water’s pH.
• Use low to moderate lighting: Discus fish do not require intense lighting, and they can do well under low to moderate lighting.
• Create a natural flow: Discus fish are used to the flow of the rivers they live in, so it’s good to create a natural flow in the tank to provide oxygen and movement in the water. It can be done using powerheads or with a proper filter setup.

Best Aquarium Plants for Discus

The most important element of any aquascape are the plants (that’s just my opinion because I grow some beautiful plants, including some rarer ones).

They are great at providing cover and hiding spots for the fish. They also oxygenate the water and help to reduce the build-up of harmful waste products. However, not all aquarium plants are suitable for Discus tanks, as some may require more light or different water chemistry than Discus fish prefer.

Here are some of the best aquarium plants for Discus tanks that are beginner-friendly as well

• Anubias: Anubias plants are hardy and easy to care for, and they can grow in low to moderate light. They also prefer water that is slightly acidic, making them a great option for Discus tanks. These can also be fixed to hardscape elements.
• Java Fern: Java Ferns are also hardy and easy to care for. They can grow well in low to moderate light. They do not require a substrate to root in and can be attached to rocks or wood, making them a great option for hardscaping.
• Cryptocoryne: Cryptocoryne plants are known for their variety both in leaf shape and colors. They can tolerate a wide range of water conditions.
• Java moss: Java Moss is a great option for Discus tanks as it is very hardy and doesn’t require high light. it can also be attached to rocks, wood, or other structures in the tank.
• Amazon sword: Amazon Swords are also a suitable option for Discus tanks. They can grow well in low to moderate light and tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They look great, too and add a lot of volume as well as hiding spots

Hardscaping a Discus Tank

If you feel that keeping plants and Discus together is too large a pill to swallow, then simply hardscaping the tank will also yield great results.

Hardscaping refers to the use of non-living materials such as rocks, wood, and other decorative elements in an aquarium. In the context of a Discus tank, hardscaping can be used to create a natural-looking environment that mimics the Discus’ native habitat.

The theme should be similar to a planted aquascape. There should be a lot of open spaces with some hiding spots. Large rocks and driftwood will help you achieve this aesthetic.

Using different heights and levels in the hardscaping can help create a sense of depth and dimension to the tank, making it more interesting.

Avoid overcrowding the tank with hardscape elements and keep things as asymmetrical as possible.

You can easily create a beautiful and natural-looking environment for your Discus fish by just using hardscaping elements that will also provide them with a sense of security and plenty of hiding spots, which will help to keep them healthy and happy. Additionally, it will reduce the level of maintenance and upkeep required.

Discus Diet and Feeding

Discus fish are carnivorous and require a diet that is high in protein to maintain their health and growth. Here are some tips for feeding Discus fish:

• Feed live or frozen foods:
  Discus fish prefer live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and earthworms, as these foods are high in protein and closely resemble their natural diet.
  

• Provide a variety of foods:
  Discus fish benefit from a varied diet, so it’s important to provide a variety of foods such as chopped seafood, boiled egg yolk, and specially formulated Discus fish food.
  
• Feed small, frequent meals:
  Discus fish have small stomachs and cannot consume large amounts of food at once. Feeding them small, frequent meals throughout the day is important to ensure they are getting enough nutrition.
  It will also ensure that the all-important water chemistry does not get messed up
  
• Soak dry food in water:
  Discus fish may have difficulty eating dry food, so it’s a good idea to soak the dry food in water before feeding to make it easier for them to consume.
  
• Avoid overfeeding:
  Discus fish are prone to overeating, and overfeeding can lead to excess waste and pollution in the water. It’s important to monitor the food intake of your Discus fish and avoid overfeeding.
  
• Try different feeding methods:
  Discus fish can be trained to eat from a feeding ring or directly from your hand, it can be a fun bonding experience for you and your fish and also it’s a good way to monitor their food intake

Note that the feeding schedule and amount of food for Discus fish will vary depending on the size of the fish, the water temperature, and the individual fish’s activity level. 

Observe your fish and adjust the feeding schedule and amount as needed to ensure they are getting the nutrition they need without creating too much waste.

Discus Health Problems & Disease

One of the most challenging aspects of keeping these fish is their susceptibility to diseases. Some of the common afflictions that can affect these fish are:

Breeding Discus

Breeding Discus fish can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Many people even earn a decent amount of money doing this. If you are a beginner, you should give yourself some time before attempting to breed these fish.

Once you feel that you are ready, you can follow these steps. 

• Provide a suitable breeding environment: Discus fish require a spacious breeding tank with a minimum size of 50 gallons, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and a temperature between 84°F 86°F (29°C – 30°C).
  Provide them with a well-planted tank that includes hiding spots and caves.
• Use a breeding tank: Breeding discus fish in a separate tank or breeding box can help to provide optimal conditions and minimize stress. 
• Provide a variety of food: Feeding a variety of high-quality food will help to improve the health and condition of the fish, which can increase the chances of successful breeding.
• Provide hiding spots and caves: Discus fish feel more secure when they have plenty of hiding spots and caves. This can help to reduce stress and increase the chances of breeding.
• Add a breeding cone: Discus fish will lay their eggs on a smooth surface such as a breeding cone, clay pot or a flat stone.
• Get them to pair up: Add several adults and wait for them to pair up. Once these fish are ready to spawn and spawning tubes appear, add the pair to the breeding tank
• Wait for the eggs to be laid: After some courting, the Discus will lay the eggs on the breeding cone or any flat surface. The eggs will hatch in about three days.
• Take care of the fry: Discus make for good parents. The fry will initially feed off the protective film formed on the adults’ bodies. After a week, the adults can be removed, and the fry can be fed fishy fry food such as freshly hatched brine shrimp.
  

Note that breeding Discus fish requires patience, dedication and a good understanding of their biology, habitat, and diet.

Discus Fish Varieties

There are many different varieties of discus fish, each with their own unique characteristics and colors. Some popular varieties include:

Heckel Discus
This variety is considered one of the most expensive and sought-after types of discus fish. Their body has a distinct pattern consisting of nine vertical bars. They are known for their bright colors.

Wild Discus
This variety is considered the “original” type of discus fish and is known for their natural colors and patterns. They have a base color of green, brown, or gray with a variety of different markings and patterns on their body. Some common patterns include vertical bars, spots, and blotches.

Albino Discus
This variety is known for its pale, almost translucent coloration and red eyes. They are considered a rare and expensive variety.

Blue Discus
This variety is known for its bright blue coloration.

Checkerboard Discus
Thess discus have a distinct checkerboard pattern on their bodies and are considered a highly sought-after variety.

Leopard Discus
They have leopard-like spots on their bodies and are a unique and expensive variety.

Pigeon Blood Discus
They have a deep red coloration and are considered as one of the most beautiful and valuable varieties of discus fish.

Snakeskin Discus
This variety is known for its unique pattern resembling a snake’s skin.

It is important to note that the appearance and coloration of discus fish can vary depending on factors such as diet, water conditions, and genetics.

FAQs

How often do I need to feed my discus fish?

Discus fish should be fed small, frequent meals. Feeding them 2-3 times a day with a high-quality diet that includes live or frozen food is recommended.

How big do discus fish get?

Discus fish can grow up to 8 inches in diameter.

What is the ideal water temperature for discus fish?

The ideal water temperature for discus fish is between 82°F and 86°F (28-30°C).

How do I know if my discus fish are healthy?

Healthy discus fish have bright, vibrant colors and have a rounded, symmetrical body shape. They should be active and have a good appetite.

What is the minimum tank size for discus fish?

The minimum tank size for discus fish is 50 gallons. It is important to provide them with a spacious tank with plenty of hiding spots and a well-planted aquarium.

Can discus fish live with other fish?

Discus fish can live with other fish, but choosing compatible tankmates with similar water and temperature requirements is important. Avoid keeping them with aggressive or territorial fish.

How do I know if my discus fish are ready to breed?

Discus fish are ready to breed when they reach sexual maturity, around a year old. They will start to court each other and will dance around each other.

How long does it take for discus fish to breed?

The breeding process can take several weeks. Once the eggs are laid and fertilized, they will hatch in around 3-4 days, depending on the temperature. The fry will be ready to be fed and be on their own within a couple of weeks.

Conclusion

Discus fish are often considered the “gem” or the “kings” of the aquarium hobby because of their unique, disc-shaped body and vibrant colors. They are one of the most challenging and rewarding fish to keep in an aquarium, as they require specific water parameters, dietary needs, and a large tank to thrive.

Their beauty is undeniable and their color patterns, as well as different shapes and sizes, have been captivating hobbyist around the world.

The care and maintenance of Discus fish generally puts them out of the reach of the novice aquarist. These fish need special attention and knowledge to be able to keep them healthy and happy. They require clean, warm, soft, and acidic water, a high-quality diet, and regular water changes to maintain good water quality. The tank should be large enough to provide enough swimming space and a consistent temperature.

However, this can be an amazing adventure if you are up to the challenge. You need to be ready to invest in proper equipment, and fish food as well as be ready to put in a lot of time and effort that is required to properly care for these amazing fish. The reward for all this extra effort is a truly rewarding and satisfying experience.