Species profile
Discus
Symphysodon spp.
Peaceful
Hard care
400 L minimum aquarium
15–20 cm adult size
Midwater
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Generic domestic Discus profile; warm, stable, clean water and a compatible social group are more important than forcing a species-level label.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
27–30 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
Up to 8 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 5
Tank zone
Midwater
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
3.2
Social cichlids normally maintained in groups; established spawning pairs defend a limited territory.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
400 L
Minimum footprint
150 × 50 cm
Alternative names
Discus, Domestic Discus, Symphysodon aquarium strains
Native range
Amazon basin at genus level; domestic aquarium lines cannot safely be assigned a wild locality.
Natural habitat
Wild Symphysodon inhabit warm slow waters around submerged wood and flooded margins; domestic lines may tolerate broader chemistry than locality fish.
Diet & feeding
Use a varied, highly digestible diet with quality prepared foods and appropriate frozen/live invertebrate foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
External sexing is unreliable until a pair forms or breeding papillae are visible.
Breeding
Pairs lay adhesive eggs on upright surfaces. Both parents subsequently provide epidermal mucus that newly free-swimming fry feed from.