Discus Fish Size Guide report

The discus fish (scientific name: Symphysodon), also known as the colorful angelfish, is native to the Amazon River Basin. It is a common class of tropical freshwater fish in aquariums. It is named for its flat, disc-shaped body, and its body color changes with age. The dorsal and anal fins are relatively large, and the caudal fin is fan-shaped.、

The colorful angelfish is known as the "king of tropical fish" and belongs to the high-end aquarium fish species. Its unique posture, noble and leisurely charm, bright and changing colors, and humanized living habits made this species attracted many fans of fish lovers for many years.

Unlike many cichlids, the discus thrives in groups, is generally calm, and tends to be shy with other species. If you are considering raising a group of discus, be sure to understand the basics about discus, especially its living habits and needs. Discus are not suitable for beginners. They need very specific tank conditions and are highly sensitive to the quality of their environment. This post shares the general description and care guide for discus fish.

Discus Fish Size and Characteristics

Although discus fish are difficult to keep, especially in mixed tanks, fish lovers appreciate this fish for its striking appearance and incredible ability to change color. In captivity, discus fish can live between 10–15 years. Their lifespan is often shorter in the wild due to predators. One of the main reasons discus are fascinating is that they come in many beautiful colors. Solid and base colors include: red, white, orange, yellow, blue, green, and brown. You may even find as many as four different colors and three different patterns on a single fish.

There are three species of discus fish in the Symphysodon genus; they are known for their different colors and stripes. However, all three have similar care requirements. Symphysodon discus is the most popular in home aquariums and will be the focus of this article.

Appearance

• Symphysodon discus: The Red or Heckel Discus is the most common species in aquariums. They can also come in white, yellow, blue, orange, and gold, despite their name. This species has extremely deep and striking colors; common colors and patterns include leopard, carnation, and blood pigeon.
• Symphysodon aequifasciatus: The blue or brown Discus is the most recently discovered species. It comes in shades of blue, orange, yellow, white, and green.
• Symphysodon tarzoo: The Green Discus is a more uncommon species and usually comes in green or yellow with black bands.

Avreage Size of Discus Fish

The size of discus fish can range as they grow up, but they are classified as medium-sized fish. Once fully grown, discus fish can grow up to 8-10 inches in length and weigh more than 6 pounds. The following are the general size changes till full growth. Male discus fish are slightly larger than females.

Living Habits and Setting Up a Discus Tank

Colorful discus fish is a delicate and sensitive tank fish with high requirements on water quality and surroundings in the tank. Generally, it will need fresh water, with a water temperature of at least 80-88°F (25-31 ℃). The water quality should be weakly acidic, the pH should be between 5.5-7.0, the calcium carbonate content should not exceed 50 mg/L, and the dissolved oxygen content should reach more than 5 mg/L.

You will need at least a 50-70 gallon tank to keep discus fish in an aquarium; a tank is large enough for a school of at least 5. More fish need a larger tank. Change the discus fish tank water weekly to maintain good water quality. Discus prefers driftwood, roots, and leafy plants in the tank. The fish often rest close to plants and branches, which makes the discus feel a quiet and stable environment in captivity. Soft sand and smooth rocks would also improve their living environment.

Feeding

The discus is an omnivore, but they mostly eat greens in the wild. They feed on small fish, shrimp, aquatic insect larvae, plant seeds, leaves, etc. In an aquarium, discus fish feeds such as red worms, water earthworms, water fleas, and commercial pellet feeds can be used for feeding. Feeding should follow the principle of moderation, and not being too full is one of the tips to protect the health of fish.

Conclusion

It is very difficult to feed the discus fish in the aquarium because of their strict requirements on the water quality to maintain life. However, its gorgeous and dazzling colored ripples are endearing, and fish lovers still try to insist on artificial breeding. Remember that discus fish should be kept in a group, and it will be challenging if you keep them in a mixed-species tank. Discus fish require extensive time and attention to stay healthy.