Discus Fish Information

Mention some of the tropical fish for a freshwater tank setup, and you really cannot miss the most demanding discus fish. The popularity of this nearly round, laterally compressed fish is so high amongst avid aquarists that it is also known as the king for freshwater aquarium. For those interested in rearing this fish, it is to be borne in mind that discus fish requires special care and attention. Hence, going through basic discus fish information is of utmost importance before actually keeping it in the home aquarium.

Discus Fish Care & Breeding Information

Available in three true species and several other hybrid types, these colorful fish having an adorable shape are grouped under Symphysodon. The scientific name for the common discus or green discus is S. aequifasciatus. Despite its stringent care level, many hobbyists still rear discus fish to add color and interest in the fish tank. In case, you are planning to introduce this lively fish in your aquarium, the following discus fish information will help you provide the basic care level required for this freshwater fish.

Discus Fish Habitat
Understanding the habitat of fish helps fish keepers in maintaining an aquarium that is close to the natural dwelling place of the particular fish. Indigenous to the calm and warm Amazon river basin, discus fish live in groups in between submerged trees, preferably near the river banks. Their color shades (red, blue, green and brown) and stripe pattern blend well with the roots of the plants, thus camouflaging them from their natural predators.

Required Water Conditions
Coming to discus fish information regarding favorable water conditions, the parameters should be such that they resemble their natural habitat. In short, discus fish thrive well in water that is warm, slightly acidic to neural (pH 5-7), and which hardness level falls between soft to medium hard water. When kept as aquarium fish, they prefer temperature between 79-88° F. They do not concentrate in one layer of the fish tank, but prefer to roam in all strata.

Setting Up Tank
While setting up a discus fish tank (48-50 inch), you should consider the factors, like size and number of fish. While purchasing them from fish supply centers, opt for discus fish which size measures about 2.5 inch. At maturity, they grow to about 6-8 inch in length. The point is not to overcrowd the fish population, as it will retard the growth rate and cause easy spreading of diseases (if any).

Choosing other Inhabitants
Considering the fact that discus fish requires a calm environment, it is best to start with less number of fish (at the most 5-6) in the tank. If preferred, you can include other aquarium fish, but make sure you select discus fish tank mates after confirming their compatibility with discus fish. Choice of fish that you can select for keeping with discus are dwarf cichlids, small angelfish, gouramis and characins.

Care for Discus Fish
Discus fish care information is revolved around maintaining correct water parameters and feeding different live foods. As far as possible, keep the water soft, warm, mild acidic and clear. In the discus fish care plan, experts suggest weekly changing of water, ideally 25 percent of the total tank water. Ensure that the water fed to discus fish tank is free of chloramines and chlorine. Watch for change in fish behavior, as it can be an indication for internal and internal discus fish diseases.

Feeding Discus Fish
Coming to discus fish information regarding feeding habit, young fish are heavy feeders and engulf food very quickly. But as they mature, their feeding habit changes considerably. Two to three times feeding in a day is sufficient for discus fish. The nutrition is primarily based on live foods, like daphnia, brine fish and tubifex. Feed a variety of these live foods at regular intervals. You can also try discus fish food recipe to ensure good health of your pest fish.

Breeding Discus Fish
When maintained under correct water parameters and fed varied foods, discus fish attain sexual maturity within 2-3 years. Discus fish breeding takes place in the open, and preferably in the same tank, where they have been kept. So, you do not have to transfer dish fish in a breeding tank for the purpose. As you plan for breeding, lower the pH range to 5.5-6.5, and elevate the normal tank temperature slightly.

Nothing could be as relaxing as watching colorful discus fish swimming in groups, in between the aquarium plants. But, in order to maintain optimal health of discus fish, and increase their lifespan in captivity, you should be thorough with discus fish information, and do your homework properly. So, educate yourself about complete discus fish care guide, and provide a comfortable place for your discus fish to stay active and free of diseases.