Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Discus

Symphysodon aequifasciatus Pellegrin, 1904

Also called Blue discus, Brown discus, Pompadour fish, Discus fish

SpeciesShort profile

From South America: the Amazon basin in Brazil; S. aequifasciatus lives in the eastern and lower Amazon east of where the Negro and Solimoes meet. Large farmed populations now exist in Southeast Asia.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length13.7 to 20 cm1 2

Lifespan10 to 15 years2

Sizemedium

Elegant round shape

Huge range of colour strains

Devoted parents

Looks how to spot one

Very deep, round, side-flattened cichlid body

A nearly circular, plate-thin cichlid that looks like a disc from the side. Wild fish carry vertical bars over brown, green or blue tones, while farmed lines come in an enormous range of patterns.2 1

Coloursbrownbluegreenredturquoisecobaltpigeon bloodghostsolid red2

Personality what they are like

A calm, sociable cichlid that lives in groups and only pairs off to breed. It prefers a quiet tank without boisterous neighbours.2 1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A gentle, deliberate swimmer that likes steady conditions and moderate movement through the tank.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Keeps best with very clean, stable water and regular water changes; steady conditions matter more than hitting an exact pH. Males can be told by a more pointed dorsal fin and thicker lips once they reach about 10 cm.2

Home where they are happiest

At least about 120 cm long (55-75 US gallons) for a group. Water 26-30 C, pH 5.0-8.0 overall (wild fish prefer 5.0-6.0, tank-bred 6.0-7.5), soft water 0-12 dH. Roots and tall plants make good cover.1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Wild fish eat insect larvae, small invertebrates, algae, plant material and detritus. In the aquarium a varied menu of quality prepared foods and frozen foods works well.1 2

Company who they like around

A group animal; keep five or more together, and give pairs their own space when breeding.1 2

The story where it all began

The genus was named by Heckel in 1840, and discus reached European and American aquariums in the 1930s and 1940s. Today it supports a large breeding industry, especially in Southeast Asia, with shows such as the annual World Discus Competition in Guangzhou.2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Parents feed their young with a skin secretion often called discus milk for roughly the first four weeks.2
2
Unusually for American cichlids, wild discus live in groups of dozens.2
3
Colour forms such as turquoise, pigeon, ghost and cobalt were created by breeders and are not found in the wild.2
4
The genus name refers to the fish's distinctive tooth structure.2
5
An annual World Discus Competition is held in Guangzhou, China.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 7 November 2018)1
Taxonomy: Described by Pellegrin in 1904; genus Symphysodon named by Heckel in 18402
Family: Cichlidae (cichlids)1
North American Discus Association: Dedicated hobbyist organisation for the genus2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Discus. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Discus?

Feed your Discus small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and it's best to offer only what they can eat in a few minutes.2 1 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Discus eat, and what should it never eat?

A Discus enjoys a varied menu of quality prepared foods and frozen foods, mimicking their wild diet of insect larvae and small invertebrates. Never feed them anything that could spoil the water or isn't designed for fish; always check with a vet or good breeder for specific concerns.2 1

How much space does a Discus need?

A group of Discus needs a tank at least 120 cm long, which is about 55 to 75 US gallons. This gives them room to swim and stay calm together.2 1

What temperature, light or water does a Discus need?

Keep the water between 26 and 30°C, with a pH of 5.0 to 8.0 (tank-bred fish do well at 6.0 to 7.5), and soft water from 0 to 12 dH. Provide gentle lighting and plenty of roots and tall plants for cover.2 1

How often should I clean a Discus's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly water change of about 25%, along with a weekly glass clean and water test. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water, to keep conditions stable. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Discus live with others?

Yes, Discus are calm, sociable cichlids that should be kept in groups of five or more. They prefer a quiet tank without boisterous neighbors and will pair off to breed.2 1

How long does a Discus live?

With good care, a Discus can live between 10 and 15 years. Stable water conditions and a peaceful environment help them reach their full lifespan.2

Can I handle a Discus?

It's best not to handle a Discus, as they are delicate fish that can be stressed by touch. Always use a soft net if you need to move them, and keep handling to a minimum.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Altum Angelfish

Heckel Discus

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Symphysodon aequifasciatus fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, diet, IUCN, group keeping
Wikipedia: Discus (fish) en.wikipedia.orgused for taxonomy, names, lifespan, colours, behaviour, care, hobby history, fun facts

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.