
"A Molecular Perspective on Systematics, Taxonomy and Classification Amazonian Discus Fishes of the Genus Symphysodon". "Ecology and life history of an Amazon floodplain cichlid: the discus fish Symphysodon (Perciformes: Cichlidae)". "Discus fishes: mitochondrial DNA evidence for a phylogeographic barrier in the Amazonian genus Symphysodon (Teleostei: Cichlidae)". discus), but overall they maintain their separate evolutionary trajectories. Some hybridization occurs (or has occurred) between the species recognized in the 2011 study and also between the brown and Heckel discus ( S. aequifasciatus are recognized as described valid species has been adopted by the Catalog of Fishes. The Xingu group currently lacks a scientific name, but it is possible that the correct name for the blue is S. 1 central Amazon from Purus arch to the Meeting of Waters) and the Xingu group ( S. aequifasciatus East Amazon downriver from Meeting of Waters), blue discus ( S. In 2011 a study indicated that it should be split into three: Brown discus ( S. aequifasciatus is the correct name for the green discus.
In 2007 it was suggested that the correct scientific name of the blue/brown discus is S. The taxonomy is disputed, but FishBase follows a review of the genus from 2006.
It typically reaches a length of up to 15.2 centimetres (6 in) SL, but captives have been claimed to reach 23 cm (9 in). It is largely restricted to water with a high temperature of 25–32 ☌ (77–90 ☏) and a pH of 5.2–7.7. This discus is found in black-, clear- and whitewater, but its preference for lentic habitats such as floodplains and flooded forests means that the whitewater it inhabits contain little suspended material (unlike main sections of whitewater rivers). Symphysodon aequifasciatus, the blue discus or brown discus, is a species of cichlid native to rivers of the eastern and central Amazon Basin downriver from the Púrus Arch.
Symphysodon aequifasciatus aequifasciatus Pellegrin, 1904. The fish are also prone to internal and external parasite infections such as gill flukes. Diseaseĭiscus fish are most vulnerable to common warm-water bacterial infections such as cotton wool and hole-in-the-head disease. A newly added fish that lies on its side is not ill or dying - this is a normal reaction to the change in water pressure between the container and the aquarium, and the fish will soon acclimatize.Ĭhange 10% to 25% of the discus fish tank water weekly to maintain good water quality. In larger tanks, powerheads (submersible pumps) are preferredĭiscus fish bought online can be added directly to a prepared tank. Water type: Soft, freshwater Tank size: Minimum 60 gallons (10 gallons per discus fish) Water temperature: 82–88☏ (28–31☌) Substrate: Sand, pebbles, rocks Tank setup: Plants, caves, driftwood Acidity: 6.0–7.0 pH Water hardness: 6–14 dGH Filter: Yes, discus fish produce a large amount of waste and stir up the substrate, so a sturdy filter is essential Plants: Yes, to circulate the water in the aquarium and ensure an adequate oxygen supply. The fish congregate close to fallen trees and branches near river banks in the wild, so in captivity, discus prefer stable environments. The discus fish inhabits the slow-moving rivers and lakes of the lowland Amazon basin. Captive discus fish have more vibrant colors when water parameters are well-maintained, even though the fish adapt better than wild species to water fluctuations.ĭecorate the discus fish’s tank with driftwood to replicate the fallen trees in branches found in the species’ native habitat.Īdvertisements Habitat and Tank Requirements This species is challenging to keep in a mixed-species tank due to the discus fish’s low pH, high mineral content, and warm temperature needs. The blue discus is native to the eastern Amazon basin, the green discus is native to the western Amazon basin, and the red discus is native to the Rio Negro area. The discus fish is native to the Amazon river in South America. Patterned hybrids exist in captivity Diet: Omnivore Temperament: Intelligent, peaceful, shy Minimum tank size: 10 gallons per fish, or over 55 gallons for a group of six fish Temperature: 82–88☏ (28–31☌) pH: 6.0–7.0 Hardness: Soft water, 2–8 dGH Care level: Challenging, requires a higher temperature than many other species Breeding: Mouthbrooders Origin tarzoo (green discus) Common names Discus fish, pompadour fish, king of the aquarium Distribution: Amazon river basin, South America Size: 4.6–8 inches Life expectancy: 10–15 years in captivity Color: Wild discus fish are red, blue, or green, and other colors.
Advertisements Scientific name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus (blue discus or brown discus), S.