The Red Discus, also known as the Common Discus or Heckel Discus, is scientifically called Symphysodon discus. It comes from the Amazon Basin and lives in areas like the lower Rio Negro, upper Uatumã, Nhamundá, Trombetas, and Abacaxis.
This fish prefers blackwater habitats with warm temperatures between 78.8°F to 86°F (26°C to 30°C) and low pH levels of 4.2 to 6.2.
The Red Discus grows up to 4.8 inches (12.3 cm) in length.
You can also find Red Discus fish in the aquarium trade. Their diet consists of worms, crustaceans, insects, and plant matter.
Red Discus Interesting Facts
- Red Discus is a fish from the Amazon Basin with the scientific name Symphysodon discus.
- These fish prefer blackwater habitats with warm temperatures (78.8°F to 86°F) and low pH levels (4.2 to 6.2).
- In the aquarium trade, their diet consists of worms, crustaceans, insects, and plants.
- When breeding, both parents protect eggs and young fish, which eat special mucus from their skin.
Red Discus Habitat
Red Discus is found in South America, specifically in the Amazon River basin in Brazil. Some locations include near the mouth of the Negro River, as well as in the lower Abacaxis and Trombetas Rivers.
These fish live in freshwater environments and swim close to the bottom (benthopelagic). They prefer water with a pH range of 4.2 to 6.2 and a hardness (dH) range of up to 1. They thrive in warm, tropical waters with temperatures between 78.8°F to 86°F.
Their habitat lies around 1°S to 3°S latitude.
| Water Temperature: | 78.8°F to 86°F (26°C to 30°C) |
| Water pH: | 4.2 to 6.2 pH |
| Water Hardness: | Up to 1 dH |
Red Discus Physical Characteristics
Size: 4.8 inches (12.3 centimeters)
The maximum length of a Red Discus is 12.3 cm (standard length).
Red Discus Reproduction
The Red Discus lays hundreds of eggs on rocks or plants. Both mom and dad fish protect the eggs and baby fish.
In their first days, the Red Discus fry eat special mucus from their parents’ skin.
Red Discus Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Symphysodon |
| Scientific Name: | Symphysodon discus |
| Also Known As: | Red Discus, Common Discus, Heckel Discus |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |