Wild Discus
Filed under South American Cichlids
About Wild Discus
Wild Discus first appeared in the aquarium hobby in the 1920’s, and even now despite selective breeding programs and the large number of Discus fish bred by hobbyists, they are still very much in demand. Though difficult to care for, Wild Discus are a rarity that will usually become the centerpiece of collectors show tanks. In their natural environment, Wild Discus fish are widely found in calm parts of small, blackwater rivers, lakes and deep pools throughout the Amazon River basin. Wild Discus prefer to stay in small groups around submerged decaying trees, vegetation and aquatic grasses. The water is usually very clean with little or no pollutants, acidic (6.0-6.5 pH), very soft (0-3 dH) and warm with a temperature not usually over 78°F (25°C) degrees.
Wild Discus are caught in the Amazon River basin at night by using a strong light to mesmerize the fish, the area is then encircled with netting and slowly drawn closer, with all obstructions such as wood being removed. Some species of Wild Discus are now considered endangered in some areas of the Amazon River basin.
Tags: Breeding Discus Fish, Cichlid Care, Discus Fish, Open Brooding, Peat Moss, South American Cichlids, Wild Discus
Discus Fish
Filed under Cichlid Breeding, South American Cichlids
Discus Fish
The Discus fish is a South American Cichlid that belong to the genus Symphysodon, which currently includes three species: The common Discus fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus), the Heckel Discus fish (Symphysodon discus) and a new species of Discus fish which has been named Symphysodon tarzoo. The Discus fish was first introduced in the 1920’s and is now regarded as one of the most beautiful of all aquarium fish. While they are colorful and attractive, they are quite difficult to care for; nevertheless, their popularity continues to rise.
As the name implies, Discus fish have the typical disc-shaped body with full dorsal and anal fins reaching to the tail. The body of an adult Discus fish can reach about 8 to 10 inches in diameter. Originally, due to the environmental diversity of the vast Amazon River basin separate populations developed differential in color and markings. Discus fish breeders have greatly expanded upon this and developed new variations through selective breeding, with the colors and patterns of the Discus fish varying according to the type of species bred, habitat and diet.
Discus fish are widely found in calm parts of small, blackwater rivers, lakes and deep pools throughout the Amazon River basin. The water is usually very clean with little or no pollutants, acidic (6.0-6.5 pH), very soft (0-3 dH) and warm with a temperature of around 77-84°F (25-29°C). They are usually found in small groups around submerged decaying trees, vegetation and aquatic grasses. Discus fish are wild-caught in the Amazon River basin at night by using a strong light to mesmerize the fish, the area is then encircled with netting and slowly drawn closer, with all obstructions such as wood being removed. Some species of Discus fish are now considered endangered in some areas of the Amazon River basin. If you want more information about Discus fish in their natural habitat check out our Wild Discus article.
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Tags: Breeding Discus Fish, Cichlid Breeding, Discus Fish, South American Cichlids, Wild Discus
