Symphysodon aequifasciatus
The icon of South American aquariums. Requires warmer water (28–31 °C), soft and slightly acidic chemistry, and large daily water changes — most planted tanks cannot meet all three. A 300 L tank, a group of 6, and a dedicated keeper are non-negotiable.
Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) reaches 15–20 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 300 L. Native to Amazon basin, it lives in the mid water column with a peaceful (shy) temperament. Aim for 28–31 °C, pH 5.5–7.0, and 1–8 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 10–15 years with good care. Keep discus in groups of 6+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: carnivore, Beef heart mix, frozen bloodworm, blackworm, discus pellets. Multiple small feeds daily. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Adults only.
Care at a glance
The icon of South American aquariums. Requires warmer water (28–31 °C), soft and slightly acidic chemistry, and large daily water changes — most planted tanks cannot meet all three. A 300 L tank, a group of 6, and a dedicated keeper are non-negotiable.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether discus fits in your tank.
Mid
Yes
Group of 6+
Cichlidae
Carnivore
Beef heart mix, frozen bloodworm, blackworm, discus pellets. Multiple small feeds daily.
10–15 yrs
Hard (pair forms naturally, fry feed on parent slime coat)
Amazon basin
Amazon basin
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) needs a minimum tank of 300 L. They live in the mid water column and should be kept in groups of 6+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 28–31 °C, pH 5.5–7.0, and 1–8 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Adults only. Plant safety: Yes.
Discus are carnivore. Beef heart mix, frozen bloodworm, blackworm, discus pellets. Multiple small feeds daily.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 4/5. Advanced, demands dialled-in CO₂/dosing or precise water chemistry. Breeding difficulty: hard (pair forms naturally, fry feed on parent slime coat).
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 10–15 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
