Fin's Fish Guide
The Discus (Symphysodon discus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
The discus is a deep, strongly laterally compressed, disc-shaped cichlid from the Amazon basin in South America, especially the Rio Negro. The species grows to about 12 to 20 cm and has a round, silvery-brown to red-brown body with blue wavy lines over head and flank and nine dark cross-bars. It lives in calm, blackwater backwaters and flooded forests. Remarkably, the young feed for the first days on a mucus layer on the skin of both parents. It is one of the most prized aquarium fishes. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Discus?
The Discus has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Disc-shaped body; the young eat skin mucus from the parents; top aquarium fish
Where does the Discus live?
The Discus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Amazon basin
How big does the Discus get?
The Discus grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Discus dangerous to humans?
No, the Discus is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Discus edible?
The Discus is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Discus?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Discus is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Symphysodon
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Discus?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Discus is one of 12,519 species in the app.