Blue discus
Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Cultivated discus may have mixed ancestry; ask about origin and accustomed water. A warm-water cichlid for experienced keepers. A calm group, stable water and adequate food for every fish are essential.
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Symphysodon aequifasciatus
- Dutch name
- Discus
- Water temperature
- 28–30 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7
- Adult length, up to approximately
- 14 cm SL
- Experience
- Experienced keeper
- General hardness (GH)
- 3–8 °dGH
- Starting footprint
- 150 × 50 cm
- Swimming or living zone
- Midwater
- Flow
- Gentle, with adequate oxygen
This is a documented adult size, not a measured average. SL means body length excluding the tail fin. Sex, origin and cultivated form can affect size.
Care guidance; origin and captive breeding can change requirements. Some ranges are deliberately narrower than natural extremes in the source. Adjust water gradually and keep ammonia and nitrite at zero.
Tank sizes are editorial starting points for adults, not guarantees for a complete stocking plan. Group size, tank height, swimming length and territories may require a larger aquarium.
Origin
South America — Amazonas / Solimões
Habitat & setup
Tropical rivers and tributary waters; provide cover and open swimming space.
Diet
Varied fine pellets or flakes, supplemented with suitable frozen or live food.
Behaviour & grouping
Social group with space for all adults and formed pairs.
Living with other animals
Prefer a well-planned discus group. Any other species must tolerate sustained warm water and must not dominate feeding.
Reproduction
Substrate spawner with intensive parental care; specialist rearing required.
A suitable cover helps prevent escape and jumping. Protect intakes for small animals. Do not use copper-based fish medication with invertebrates.
Sources & image credits
Data compiled on: 2026-09-27. Species sources support identity and care; group sources give general starting points. Practical recommendations are an editorial synthesis.
- Seriously Fish — Symphysodon aequifasciatus
- aquariumindustries.com.au — Symphysodon aequifasciatus
- Wikipedia — Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Photo: Николаевский_зоопарк._Аквариум.8_-_panoramio.jpg — mramorn. CC BY-SA 3.0.