Discus
A stunning, sensitive cichlid often considered the 'king' of freshwater aquariums. Discus need very stable warm water, excellent filtration, and careful feeding.
tankSize
250L (65 gal) minimum for a group
careLevel
Advanced
temperature
28 to 30C
temperament
Peaceful (within the right group)
diet
High-quality pellets plus frozen foods and carefully prepared foods
lifespan
8 to 12 years
aloneOrCommunity
Species-focused community
weeklyMaintenance
Frequent water changes and careful parameter control
Best for
- Experienced aquarists who enjoy precision care
- Owners willing to maintain very stable warm water
- People who can commit to frequent water changes
- Tanks with peaceful, compatible warm-water species
Not ideal for
- Beginners or low-maintenance setups
- Small tanks or unstable water conditions
- Tanks with aggressive fish
- Owners who cannot keep a consistent routine
Temperament
- Calm and social in a group
- Can be shy if stressed or under-grouped
- Prefers quiet environments and stable routines
Daily routine
feeding: Feed small, high-quality meals 1 to 3 times daily; remove uneaten food.
check: Monitor appetite, breathing, and color as early health indicators.
enrichment: Keep décor simple for cleanliness, with some vertical surfaces and calm flow.
Living fit
smallHome: Not ideal due to tank size and maintenance routine.
kids: Beautiful to watch, but requires advanced, consistent care.
firstTimeOwner: Not recommended as a first fish.
Health notes
- Sensitive to poor water quality and parameter swings.
- Quarantine is strongly recommended for new fish.
- Stable warmth and cleanliness are the biggest success factors.
Cost and time
time: Higher weekly time due to frequent water changes and feeding routines.
cost: Higher cost for fish, large tank, filtration, and heating.
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