Above: This picture was taken in our facility by one of our crew members, and it shows a young premium quality Wild Red Spotted Discus, swimming in one of our aquarium. Origin: Discus are Cichlids, and their ancestors lived in the Amazon and other Rainforests in South America. But now of course they live in aquariums all over the world.
Maximum Size: In aquariums Discus can grow to be about 6" long and rarely even larger.
Behaviors: Discus are usually not aggressive fish, but from time to time the can be territorial.
Compatibility: Some recommended tank mates include, other Discus species, a few Corydoras Catfish, some small Tetras like Neons and Cardinals, and perhaps a small Plecostomus Catfish.
Click here to read more about compatible groups of pet fish. Temperature: Discus live best from about 75 to 80-degrees F. with 78 being perhaps ideal.
Click here to learn about aquarium temperature, aquarium thermometers, and aquarium heaters. Feeding: Premium Fish Food Pellets is best to feed to Discus. Smaller sized pellets when young, and larger sized pellets when bigger, is the ideal food for these fish.
Click here to learn more about and shop online for premium fish foods. Water Conditions: These fish prefer a pH of about 6 to 7 with low hardness.
Most water in us U.S. has a higher pH and is harder but these fish can adapt, and so as usual it's best not to try to change the pH or the hardness.
But it may be beneficial to dilute their water with RO water. Click here for a lot more information about aquarium water conditions. Aquarium Size: Discus will eventually need to live in an aquarium with at least 60-gallons of water, but of course bigger is better. Decor: Discus do not need gravel, and a layer of gravel more than 1/4" thick will usually fill with bits of uneaten food that will contaminate the water.
Click here for more about aquarium gravel. Live plants are beautiful and improve the water quality, and also Discus seem to love live plants and are healthier in planted aquariums.
Aquarium Filter: Bio-Wheel Filters are highly recommended. Most 60-gallon aquariums have room along the back for two Penguin 350B Filters, and this is sort of a minimal Discus set up.
Better is a 80, 100, 120, 150, or 200-gallon aquarium with as many Penguin 350B Filters as will fit across the back.
Click here to learn more about aquarium filters. The addition of Lava Rocks will keep nitrates in the ideal range. Click here to learn more about using Lava Rocks in aquariums. Life Span: Discus can live for several years. Keep the water conditions excellent and feed them premium foods, and they may live for many years. Gender: It's difficult to tell males from females, when they are small, but when mature, the male usually has more vibrant colors while a mature female is often plumper. Breeding: Discus females will lay eggs on a flat surface that they previously cleaned off.
The male will fertilize them, and then both the male and female guard and tend to their eggs.
When the eggs hatch, the baby Discus feed off the mucus on their parent's sides.
The water will need to be warmer, soft and slightly acidic for best breeding parameters.
Click here for a lot more about breeding various tropical fish in aquariums. Popularity: These fish have been very popular in the aquarium hobby.
Names: The scientific name for Discus is Symphysodon aequifasciatus. Variations: There are many color variations of Discus in the aquarium hobby. We hope you've enjoyed reading these comments.
We have 380-aquariums with lots-and-lots of popular aquarium fish plus lots-and-lots of rare fish!
We consider ourselves to be the link between the world's best sources of fish and the world best customers. We love our work, and we are very responsible.
All of our fish are Premium Quality Fish from the best suppliers in the world. Our fish have better health, more energy and brighter colors, as you can see in our pictures on this website.
We also offer lots and lots of information about keeping pet fish, all from the knowledge of the Bailey Brothers, who have a combined total of 100+ years of experience as breeders, wholesalers, and retailers of pet fish!
Our fish and our customers are treated with the best of care, and we work energetically everyday to make sure every customer enjoys their new fishy friends.
When you purchase pet fish from us, you know you're receiving premium quality fish and premium quality service.
"Received my fish last night and was so pleased! They all arrived alive and appeared to be healthy.
"Once in the tank, they became very active and are now thriving in their new home.
"Beautiful fish, I asked for color and aquariumfish delivered. Processing and shipping was extremely quick."
Nevin and DrTom, the Bailey Brothers
This website is owned and operated by the Bailey Brothers, DrTom and Nevin, who've been together in the fish business for more than 50-years.
The Product Manager has been with the company for more than 35-years.
So we feel very confident that this is the fishiest crew anywhere.