Discus

Shop beautiful Discus Fish online at Aquaholics Online.

Discus are distinctive freshwater Cichlids known for their round body shape, striking colours and graceful swimming behaviour. Native to the Amazon basin in South America, Discus have become one of the most sought-after feature fish for large tropical freshwater aquariums.

Our range may include a variety of Discus colours, patterns and sizes depending on livestock availability.

Discus for Freshwater Aquariums

Discus can create an impressive centrepiece in a well-planned freshwater aquarium.

Although they have a reputation for being more demanding than many community fish, successful Discus keeping largely comes down to providing:

• Stable warm water

• Excellent water quality

• Suitable aquarium size

• Reliable filtration

• Appropriate tank mates

• A quality varied diet

• Consistent aquarium maintenance

Discus generally do best in established aquariums where sudden changes in temperature or water chemistry can be avoided.

Discus Aquarium Size

Discus grow into substantial fish, with adults commonly reaching approximately 15–20 cm depending on the variety and individual fish.

A larger aquarium provides more swimming room, greater water stability and enough space to maintain a suitable group.

For a group of adult Discus, a larger aquarium around 120 cm (4ft) or more is generally a better starting point than a small tank.

Aquarium height is also worth considering because of the tall, round body shape of adult Discus.

Keeping Discus in Groups

Discus are social Cichlids and are commonly maintained in groups.

Keeping a suitable group can help spread natural social behaviour and reduce the chance of a single weaker fish receiving constant attention from more dominant individuals.

Tank size, filtration and stocking levels should always be considered together when deciding how many Discus to keep.

Established breeding pairs may be maintained differently from juvenile or display groups.

Water Temperature

Discus prefer warmer water than many common tropical community fish.

Consistent temperature is particularly important, so a reliable thermostatically controlled aquarium heater should be used.

Many Discus aquariums are maintained in the upper tropical temperature range, although exact requirements can vary depending on the fish and the conditions in which they were raised.

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.

Water Quality

Excellent water quality is one of the most important parts of Discus care.

A successful Discus aquarium should have:

• Reliable biological filtration

• Regular water changes

• Stable water chemistry

• Low levels of accumulated waste

• Consistent temperature

• Sensible feeding

Discus can be less tolerant of poor water conditions than many hardy community fish.

Regular maintenance is therefore more important than constantly attempting to adjust water parameters.

Filtration for Discus

Choose aquarium filtration capable of handling the size and number of fish being kept.

Good biological filtration helps process waste, while mechanical filtration removes suspended debris from the water.

Discus appreciate clean water but do not necessarily require extremely strong current throughout the aquarium.

External canister filters, suitable internal filters and other well-designed filtration systems can all work depending on the aquarium.

Feeding Discus

Discus benefit from a varied, high-quality diet.

Suitable foods can include:

• Quality Discus pellets

• Premium Cichlid foods

• Frozen foods

• Brine shrimp

• Suitable insect or crustacean-based foods

• Other high-quality protein-rich foods

Juvenile Discus may benefit from smaller, more frequent meals while growing.

Avoid excessive feeding, as uneaten food can quickly reduce water quality.

Discus Tank Mates

Discus are generally relatively peaceful Cichlids, but tank mates need to tolerate the same warm water conditions.

Possible companions can include carefully selected:

• Corydoras suited to warmer temperatures

• Tetras

• Cardinal Tetras

• Rummynose Tetras

• Peaceful dwarf Cichlids

• Suitable Bristlenose Catfish

Avoid aggressive, highly competitive or persistent fin-nipping fish.

Very active feeders can also make it difficult for slower Discus to receive enough food.

Discus & Live Plants

Discus can look spectacular in planted aquariums.

Live plants can provide natural structure, shaded areas and an attractive environment without taking away too much open swimming space.

Suitable planted Discus aquariums may include:

• Anubias

• Java Fern

• Amazon Swords

• Cryptocoryne

• Vallisneria

• Other plants tolerant of warmer water

When selecting aquarium plants, make sure their preferred temperature range is compatible with the warmer conditions commonly used for Discus.

Aquascaping a Discus Aquarium

A Discus aquarium can combine open swimming areas with natural hardscape and plants.

Useful elements can include:

• Driftwood

• Smooth rocks

• Live plants

• Sand or fine substrate

• Tall background plants

• Open central swimming areas

Avoid overcrowding the tank with hardscape.

Discus have large bodies and appreciate enough open space to move comfortably through the aquarium.

Discus Colours & Varieties

Selective breeding has produced Discus in an enormous range of colours and patterns.

Depending on availability, varieties may include shades and combinations of:

• Blue

• Red

• Turquoise

• Yellow

• Orange

• White

• Patterned and spotted varieties

Colour and pattern can continue developing as the fish mature, so juvenile Discus may look different from their eventual adult appearance.

Choosing Healthy Discus

When selecting Discus, look for fish that are:

• Active and alert

• Swimming normally

• Feeding well

• Maintaining a full body shape

• Free from obvious external damage

• Holding their fins naturally

As with all live aquarium fish, individual colour, markings and size will naturally vary.

Buy Discus Fish Online in Australia

Aquaholics Online stocks Discus when suitable livestock is available.

Because Discus availability can vary considerably, individual colours, patterns and sizes may change throughout the year.

Browse the current range above to see which Discus are currently available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Discus difficult to keep?

Discus require more consistent water quality and temperature than many beginner tropical fish, but they can be successfully maintained when the aquarium is properly established and regular maintenance is carried out.

How big do Discus grow?

Adult Discus commonly grow to approximately 15–20 cm depending on the variety, genetics, diet and aquarium conditions.

What size tank do Discus need?

Discus benefit from larger aquariums because of their adult size, social behaviour and need for stable water conditions. For a group, an aquarium around 120 cm (4ft) or larger is generally preferable.

Do Discus need to be kept in groups?

Discus are social Cichlids and are commonly kept in suitable groups. Established breeding pairs may be maintained separately.

What temperature do Discus need?

Discus prefer warm tropical water. Consistent temperature is important, and a reliable aquarium heater should be used.

What do Discus eat?

Discus benefit from a varied diet including quality Discus or Cichlid pellets and appropriate frozen or protein-rich foods.

Can Discus live with Tetras?

Yes. Selected peaceful Tetras that tolerate warmer water, such as Cardinal or Rummynose Tetras, are commonly kept with Discus.

Can Discus live with Corydoras?

Some Corydoras can be suitable, but choose species capable of comfortably tolerating the warmer temperatures used in a Discus aquarium.

Can Discus live in a planted aquarium?

Yes. Discus can be maintained in beautiful planted aquariums provided the plants tolerate warm water and enough open swimming space remains available.

Do Discus need strong filtration?

They need effective filtration and excellent water quality, but excessive current is not necessary. Choose filtration appropriate to the aquarium volume and number of fish.

Do you ship Discus Australia-wide?

Aquaholics Online ships live fish to eligible Australian locations, subject to livestock availability, regional restrictions and biosecurity requirements.