See the Heckel Discus or Red Discus page for more information on this species This species, also commonly known as the Red Discus, is a bit more unique. They are native to South America, originating from Brazil in the Rio Negro, Rio Trombetas north of the Amazon, and from the Rio Abacaxis south of the Amazon. The Heckel Discus or Red Discus was described in 1840 by Dr. Other common names they are known by are Red Spotted Discus and Tefé Discus. They originate in the central Amazon region, mostly from the Putumayo River in northern Peru, and from Brazil near Santarem and the lake of Tefé. The Green Discus was described by Pellegrin in 1904.

Green Discus Symphysodon aequifasciatus.It is awaiting further work to determine identification and validation. The third species, identified by Heiko Bleher, is the Blue Discus or Brown Discus Symphysodon haraldi. These are both considered valid species by the scientific community. The three acknowledged species include the Green Discus Symphysodon aequifasciatus and the Heckel Discus or Red Discus Symphysodon discus. From the study results published in the Journal of Fish Biology by Bleher, et al in 2007 and by Ready, Kullander, and Ferreira in 2006, three species are currently acknowledged and the classification of subspecies was eliminated.

These fish had previously been divided into several suggested species along with a number of subspecies, however, more recently there have been revisions of the Discus genus. Coldwater Fish - Looking for cold water fish? (65 °)ĭiscus are native to the South American countries of Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, and Columbia and are found inhabitating the tributaries of the Amazon River within those countries.Similar size fish - Fish that are 1 inch bigger or smaller.Community Fish - Peaceful Freshwater fish.Beginner Fish - Freshwater fish for beginners.For Information on keeping freshwater fish, see:įreshwater Aquarium Guide: Aquarium Setup and Care

An experienced and dedicated aquarist will find these fish a challenging and rewarding experience. Early efforts to ship and keep these fish proved exceptionally difficult, but much more is now known about their needs and requirements. Even so, tank bred Discus are more demanding of good water quality, require a larger aquarium, and are more expensive than many tropical fish.ĭiscus were first imported into the United States and Europe in the 1930's and 1940's. These tank bred varieties are widely divergent from the wild caught discus and tend to be better adapted to tank life, requiring less stringent care than their wild caught brethren. Through selective breeding a wide variety of body shapes, colors, and patterns are being produced. There are many local color varieties, possibly due to natural hybridization, though most available Discus today are tank bred varieties. Heiko Bleher and is awaiting further work to determine identification and validation. The third species, the Blue Discus or Brown Discus Symphysodon haraldi, was recently identified by Mr. Both are considered valid species by the scientific community. These two are found in the central and lower Amazon regions and are very similar in coloring and behavioral disposition. The Green Discus Symphysodon aequifasciatus and its close relative the Heckel Discus or Red Discus Symphysodon discus are the most recognized species.

These quiet, peaceful, and elegant creatures inspire appreciation and dedication like no other fish.ĭiscus are considered part of the cichlid family and are categorized into three species, two of which have been long time standards and one which has been relatively recently described. They are highly esteemed within the fish keeping hobby due to their dramatic coloring, refined shape, and regal bearing and are widely considered to be the pinnacle of tropical fish keeping. The majestic, graceful, and dignified Discus fish has been described as the 'King of the Aquarium Fishes' for good reason.

Discus care