Mary Allen
Discus fish are an impressive sight with their distinctive shape and bright colors. Since these freshwater fish, like all other fish, need careful care, beginners hardly dare to approach them. However, with sufficient background knowledge of their needs, keeping discus fish in the aquarium as animal-friendly as possible is quite possible. Here you can find out what is important when setting up the tank and what you should consider when feeding.
Appearance and Characteristics of Discus Fish
The discus fish, also known as discus perch, is nicknamed the “King of the Amazon” – and rightly so. When the large, colorful freshwater fish from the cichlid family (Cichlidae) swims majestically in the tank, it makes the hearts of many aquarists beat faster.
The discus perch gets its name from the high-backed, flat body shape with a small mouth, bulging lips, and around the forehead, which is somewhat reminiscent of a discus disc.
What Species of Discus are There?
Discus fish are originally from South America. There they are at home in the extensive river system of the Amazon. Countless species of this fish species exist in the wild. In addition, there are numerous cultivated forms for aquariums with their varied play of colors.
What Kind of Aquarium Does Discus Fish Need?
In order to successfully keep discus fish in the aquarium, they need sufficient space. A water volume of at least 50 to 60 liters per fish is ideal for large cichlids. Discus fish are extremely sociable and only feel really comfortable in schools of six or more fish.
The required minimum aquarium size can be easily calculated from the number of discus fish and their water requirements: 6 x 50 liters = 300 liters.
Since adult discus fish reach a size of 15 to 20 centimeters, they also need enough space to swim. Therefore, the pool should be at least 150 centimeters long and at least 60 cm high. In general, the following applies to tanks for this type of fish: the more spacious, the better.
At What Water Temperature Do Discus Fish Feel Comfortable?
Discus fish feel really comfortable at temperatures between 28 °C and 30 °C. A large rod heater in the tank is helpful to ensure these temperatures for discus fish in the aquarium. Another solution is two smaller heaters that you attach to the ends of the pool. This has proven itself, especially in large aquariums, in order to be able to generate a constant temperature in the entire tank.
What do Discus Fish Need for Food?
Discus prefers a varied diet. A combination of frozen, dry, and live food is ideal.
Since the cichlids have a short digestive tract, several feeds per day are necessary to feed them adequately. Two to three doses of discus fish food are advisable for adult animals. Young and growing specimens, on the other hand, need at least five to six feeds a day so that they can develop healthily.
Why are Discus Fish Difficult to Manage for Beginners?
Discus perch have high demands on their environment, water temperature, and food. Aquarium newcomers are often overwhelmed with these requirements.
If you still want to try to keep discus fish, you should inform yourself thoroughly in advance. With professional support from suitable specialist books or in an aquarium club, keeping discus fish is also feasible for beginners.