Description

Discus are considered by most hobbyists as the ultimate fresh water aquarium fish.

Few other species can rival their majestic behaviour, fabulous colour & incredible intelligence.

The natural habitat of Discus is the Amazon Basin, where they live amongst the protection of submerged tree roots, logs, and heavy aquatic vegetation. The water is soft, with a GH of 30ppm, and acid, with a pH between 5 and 6. (This differs from the water parameters under which Discus are held in commercial, retail, and home aquaria. See below for these recommended parameters.) It also has a low bacteria count, and is high in humic acid and tannic substances. Discus spawn in natural ponds, created during the annual rainy season floods. Here the water reaches temperatures of 32° Celsius.

In addition to the wild forms which are available, line breeding has resulted in some spectacular colour forms. A great deal of confusion exists over popular names of the different Discus colour forms. Many commercial breeders give any new colour form their own “popular” name, which leads to very little consistency across the industry.