Mandarin Discus
$30.00
The Discus Fish is often called the “King of the Aquarium” due to its vibrant colors, graceful movements, and round, laterally compressed body. Native to the slow-moving waters of the Amazon River Basin (mainly in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia), Discus are admired worldwide for their striking appearance and peaceful demeanor.
Scientific Name: Symphysodon spp.
Average Size: 5 to 7 inches (12–18 cm) in diameter
Lifespan: 10–15 years with excellent care
Body Shape: Round and disk-like, giving them their name
Color Varieties: Red, blue, green, yellow, albino, turquoise, and countless hybrid strains with intricate patterns
Discus are social creatures and feel most comfortable when kept in groups of 5 or more. They are known for forming a strict pecking order and display fascinating social interactions.
Quantity
Care Guide
Tank Requirements
Tank Size: Minimum of 55 gallons for a small group (5–6 fish); larger is always better.
Water Temperature: 82°F to 86°F (28°C to 30°C)
pH Level: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic)
Water Hardness: Soft water preferred; 1–8 dGH
Filtration: Strong biological filtration with gentle flow; Discus hate strong currents.
Aquascaping: Sand or fine gravel substrate; driftwood, rocks, and live plants like Amazon swords, java fern, and anubias are good with proper maintenance.
Water Quality
Extremely clean water is critical — Discus are very sensitive!
Perform 25–50% water changes every 2–3 days.
Keep nitrate levels below 20 ppm.
Use dechlorinated and preferably aged water.
Feeding
Diet: High-quality and varied diet.
Good foods include:
Brine shrimp
High-protein pellet or granule food made for Discus
Beef heart mix (specialized recipes)
Occasional flakes for variety
Feed 2–3 small meals daily and remove uneaten food promptly.
Tankmates
Choose calm, non-aggressive species that thrive in warm water, such as:
Cardinal tetras
Rummy nose tetras
Corydoras catfish (species tolerant of warm water)
German blue rams
Small plecos (like bristlenose plecos)
Avoid: Fin-nippers and overly active species like tiger barbs.
Common Challenges
Stress: Easily stressed by loud noises, quick movements, or poor water conditions.
Parasites: Discus are prone to internal parasites and external infections if water quality drops.
Shyness: Newly introduced Discus may hide or refuse food for a few days — patience is key.
⸻
Bonus Tips for Happy Discus
Always quarantine new fish before introducing them to a Discus tank.
Maintain consistent tank parameters — sudden changes can be fatal.
Talk softly and move slowly around their aquarium to keep them relaxed.
Observe their behavior daily — early detection of illness is critical.
