The Blue Discus, also known as the Brown Discus, is a type of cichlid fish. It comes from the eastern and central Amazon Basin rivers.
These fish live in black, clear, and whitewater areas, but they prefer calm waters like floodplains and flooded forests.
Blue Discus fish need warm water (78°F to 86°F) with a pH level between 5.0 and 8.0. They can grow up to 6 inches long in the wild but may reach 9 inches in captivity.
These fish are often kept in aquariums. They like deep rocky areas with crevices and roots for hiding.
Blue Discus usually swim in groups but become territorial during the breeding season.
Their diet consists of insect larvae, insects, and small water creatures called planktonic invertebrates.
To keep Blue Discus in an aquarium, have at least five of them together. For breeding pairs, use smaller tanks. The minimum recommended tank size is about 47 inches long (120 cm).
Blue Discus Interesting Facts
- Blue Discus are cichlid fish native to the Amazon Basin.
- These fish prefer calm waters, such as floodplains and flooded forests.
- In captivity, they can grow up to 9 inches long.
- Their diet includes insect larvae, insects, and planktonic invertebrates.
Blue Discus Habitat
The Blue Discus fish live in South America, mainly in the eastern part of the Amazon River and its nearby tributaries. These fish prefer freshwater environments near the bottom (benthopelagic).
Blue Discus can tolerate a pH range from 5.0 to 8.0 and water hardness up to 12 dH. Their preferred temperature is between 78°F to 86°F (26°C to 30°C), which is typical for tropical regions around latitudes 1°S to 3°S.
| Water Temperature: | 78°F to 86°F (26°C to 30°C) |
| Water pH: | 5.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | Up to 12 dH |
Blue Discus Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.4 inches (13.7 centimeters)
On average, Blue Discus fish grow up to 13.7 cm in length.
Blue Discus Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Symphysodon |
| Scientific Name: | Symphysodon aequifasciatus |
| Also Known As: | Blue Discus, Brown Discus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |