Species Profile
Discus
Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Also known as: King of the Aquarium, Pompadour Fish
CichlidspeacefulLong-finned
Adult size
6″
Minimum tank
75 gal
Temperature
82–88°F
pH
5.5–7
Schooling
Group of 5+
Water level
mid
Diet
Pellets, beef heart, frozen, live
Notes
Demanding South American disc-shaped cichlid that wants warm (82-86°F), soft, pristine water and a group of 5+ to avoid bullying. Sensitive to nitrate; many keepers do daily water changes. Rewarding but firmly intermediate-plus.
Photo: H. Zell / Wikimedia Commons · Source · CC-BY-SA-3.0