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.
Compatible Tankmates
Best tank mates for Discus
Every species below passes the compatibility engine when paired with Discusin a suitably sized tank. Verdicts come from the same rules the builder uses — click a card to see that species' own care profile and its tank mates in turn.
Kuhli Loach
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Clown Loach
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Common Pleco
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
African Butterfly Fish
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Zebra Pleco
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Striped Raphael Catfish
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Rummynose Tetra
CautionDiscus and Rummynose Tetra only narrowly overlap in temperature — keep within 82–82°F.
Fancy Guppy
CautionDiscus and Fancy Guppy only narrowly overlap in temperature — keep within 82–82°F.
Platy
CautionDiscus and Platy only narrowly overlap in temperature — keep within 82–82°F.
Molly
CautionDiscus and Molly only narrowly overlap in temperature — keep within 82–82°F.
Swordtail
CautionDiscus and Swordtail only narrowly overlap in temperature — keep within 82–82°F.
Male Betta
CautionDiscus and Male Betta only narrowly overlap in temperature — keep within 82–82°F.
Photo: H. Zell / Wikimedia Commons · Source · CC-BY-SA-3.0