Symphysodon aequifasciatus

Discus

Pellegrin, 1904

Last revised 2026Edit this page

On this page7 sections

Distribution
Habitat
Aquarium size
Maintenance
Water conditions
Diet
Images · 10

Symphysodon aequifasciata - "Alenquer"**JJPhoto**

Quick factsEdit

Length

140mm SL6in SL

Tank base

not recorded

Temp

26–30°C79–86°F

5.0–7.0

Hardness

0–5dGH

Difficulty7 of 8 measures

Moderate

How the rating is worked out

Space: large tank
Water: needs soft water
Temp: needs a steady temperature
Diet: unknown
Temperament: peaceful
Social: needs to be in a group
Compatibility: fine with others

Other demands

Each of these can raise the rating on its own, whatever the measures above say.

Hardiness: needs a well-established tank

The discus, Symphysodon aequifasciatus, is a cichlid from the Amazon in Colombia, Peru and Brazil. It ranges down the Rio Solimões and the main Amazon from the Rio Putumayo to the Tocantins drainage, keeping to slow-moving tributaries and forest pools where it schools in deep, sheltered water around tree roots and rocks. Wild fish reach around 14 cm, and discus are very shy, skittish fish that need plenty of cover.

Distribution

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The natural range of this species extends down the Rio Solimões and along the main Amazon river, between the Rio Putumayo in Colombia and Peru as far as the Rio Tocantins drainage in Brazil. Introduced populations also exist in the neighbouring countries of Guyana and Suriname.

Habitat

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It's not often seen in the main river channels, being mostly found in slow-moving tributaries and forest pools. Here it lives in schools in deep, sheltered areas around tree roots and rocks.

Aquarium size

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Standard length

140mm SL6in SL

Aquarium base

not recorded

Although Discus only grow to around 6", they can grow to be as tall as they are long. A breeding pair should have plenty of space both horizontally and vertically, so a tank around 48" x 18" x 18" (120cm x 45cm x 45cm) - 255 litres is recommended for a few juvenile fish or a pair of breeding adults.

Maintenance

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Many Discus fanatics choose to go down the heavily planted route which can be particularly beneficial to Symphysodon aequifasciatus due to the amount of cover afforded by such a setup. Discus are very shy, skittish fish and require as much cover as possible to feel comfortable.