Name: Georgia Aquarium
Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA, 30313, US
Telephone: +1 404-581-4000

Discus are vibrantly colored members of the cichlid family that get their name from their laterally compressed, almost circular, body shape.

Physical Characteristics

This species acquired its name from the shape of its body which is strongly compressed laterally and nearly circular.
Dorsal and anal fins extend along the body almost to the caudal fin, accentuating the circular profile.
Discus may reach 5.4 inches (13.7 cm) in total length.
The colors and patterns on the body are striking and varied. Background colors range from shades of brown to orange and blue. Patterns include vertical bars and wavy, closely spaced, discontinuous horizontal stripes. These markings can be black or blue and are sometimes edged with red or another color.
The fins can carry a pattern or be a solid color, often contrasting with that of the body of the fish. The eyes are often deep red.
Three varieties of discus color and pattern are recognized in wild populations:

Animal Fact
Discus coloration depends on what the fish eats; fish that are fed brine shrimp, for example, take on a reddish or pink color.

Diet / Feeding

Discus is a tropical freshwater fish occurring in the Amazon River Basin in lakes, deep streams and shallow-water areas of tributaries.
Found in acidic habitats consisting of muddy bottoms, live plants and roots.

Normally found in small schools, but is territorial during the breeding season.
Male and female form breeding pairs that work together to prepare a nesting site on vertical surfaces such as fallen trees or roots. The female then passes over the nest several times releasing eggs with the male following closely to fertilize them.
Both parents protect the nest and take turns fanning with their pectoral fins to circulate oxygenated water over the eggs.
Eggs hatch in 48 to 60 hours.
Discus fry feed on mucus secreted by the skin of both parents.

This species is a member of the cichlid family.
This species is popular with aquarium hobbyists because of its vibrant and varied coloration. It was first acquired for this use in the 1920s.
Many colorful hybrids have been produced for the aquarium trade. However, it is challenging to maintain discus in a home aquarium.
Discus coloration is influenced by what it is fed. Those that are fed brine shrimp take on a reddish or pink color.