Discus

Discus are best kept with peaceful, slow-moving species that tolerate warm, soft water conditions. Suitable companions include certain tetras, peaceful dwarf cichlids, and some Corydoras species adapted to warmer water. Avoid aggressive or fast-swimming fish that can outcompete discus for food or stress them with harassment. Provide abundant plants and hiding places so shy tank mates can retreat from more confident individuals.

Maintain careful water chemistry matching for all species in the tank to prevent stress and disease outbreaks. Quarantine new additions thoroughly to avoid introducing pathogens into sensitive discus groups. Consider keeping discus in a species-specific tank if you aim for breeding or to ensure optimal care conditions. Monitor interactions closely and separate incompatible species quickly to prevent injuries or chronic stress. Plan stocking conservatively given discus’ sensitivity to water quality and the need for frequent maintenance.

Feed strategically to ensure timid tank mates receive food; distribute feed across multiple spots in the tank. Avoid fish that prefer much cooler or harder water than discus—they will not thrive together long-term. Keep an eye on long-term compatibility and be prepared to rehome mismatched species to preserve discus welfare.

Discus require pristine, warm water and a stable, mature aquarium with gentle filtration. Provide a tall, spacious tank with planted areas and open swimming space to support natural schooling. Keep them in groups of at least five to establish social hierarchies and reduce stress for individuals. Perform frequent small water changes and monitor chemistry closely; discus are sensitive to parameter swings.

Maintain a high temperature of 28–31°C and soft, slightly acidic water to mimic Amazonian blackwater conditions. Use gentle filtration and avoid strong currents; discus prefer calm water and stable oxygenation. Provide shaded areas with floating plants to soften light and create restful zones for these often shy fish. Quarantine new specimens and acclimate slowly to avoid shock and disease introduction into the main group.

Ensure substrate and décor are smooth and non-abrasive to protect delicate skin and avoid injuries. Avoid mixing with very active or nippy species that can stress discus and damage their fins and coloration. Keep stocking levels conservative to maintain superb water quality and minimize disease risk. Document water changes and parameter stability to troubleshoot any health issues early on.

Discus are omnivores with high nutritional needs; they benefit from varied high-quality foods. Feed specialized discus pellets, frozen bloodworms, beefheart mixes, and occasional live foods for conditioning. Offer multiple small feedings per day rather than a single large meal to match their natural grazing habits. Include vegetable-based feeds occasionally to support gut health and provide essential micronutrients.

Condition breeding pairs with protein-rich diets to increase egg numbers and improve fry vitality. Juveniles require finely crushed or specialized grow-out diets and frequent small feedings to support growth. Store frozen foods properly and prepare them hygienically to avoid introducing pathogens to the tank. Observe feeding response and body condition regularly—poor appetite can signal water quality or disease issues.

Avoid sudden diet changes; introduce new foods gradually to prevent digestive upset in sensitive discus. Rotate staple and supplemental feeds to provide a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Good nutrition combined with clean water supports coloration, immune function, and breeding readiness. Keep feeding times consistent to reduce stress and allow all group members to access food equitably.

Discus breed in pairs and practice biparental care; parents clean a flat surface for eggs and guard fry. Condition prospective pairs with high-protein foods to stimulate spawning and improve egg viability. Once eggs are laid, parents tend and fan them; fry feed on parental mucus for the first days of life. Provide a quiet, low-disturbance area for breeding pairs and maintain pristine water for successful rearing.

Hatchlings will consume parental mucus initially, then transition to infusoria and later to microworms and brine shrimp. Keep stable warm temperatures and perform small frequent water changes to maintain water quality during rearing. If parents become aggressive or fail to care for fry, remove fry to a dedicated rearing tank to increase survival. Document pair behavior and spawning dates to refine methods and plan future breeding attempts.

Understand breeding discus is advanced and may require adjustments in nutrition, tank layout, and water chemistry. Record growth and survival rates to improve protocols and ensure healthy juvenile development. Patient observation and meticulous care yield the best outcomes for captive discus breeding efforts.