Cichlid
Care basics
Discus are known as the kings of the aquarium, and they earn that reputation through demanding water quality. They need warm, clean, stable water, so most keepers do large water changes several times a week and keep nitrate very low.
Buy healthy, captive bred fish from a good breeder or store, quarantine new arrivals, and add them to a fully cycled, mature tank. Calm tank mates that tolerate high temperatures, like cardinal tetras, rummynose tetras and corydoras that handle warm water, are the usual choices.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Symphysodon spp. |
|---|---|
| Group | South American |
| Native to | Amazon River basin, South America |
| Adult size | About 6 to 8 inches |
| Tank size | 55 to 75 gallons for a group of five or six, taller tanks preferred |
| Temperature | 82 to 86 F |
| pH | 6.0 to 7.0, soft water |
| Temperament | Peaceful and shy. They do best in groups and are easily stressed by fast or pushy tank mates. |
Sizes and ranges are typical hobby figures. Individual fish and local water vary, so test your water and ask your fish store about the specific fish you buy.
