Peces disco

Did you know that any discus fish could get sick if the water temperature drops below 26°C? There are other important considerations that you should not ignore if you want to keep these fish healthy. In this post, we will provide you with useful information on their history, characteristics, and strict diet requirements. Discus fish can adapt easily to different habitats, but they are still susceptible to certain conditions. Therefore, it is essential that you pay attention to everything contained herein to clarify any doubts you may have about this unique species. By doing so, you will know how to take care of them properly so that you can always see them swimming around in your aquarium healthy and happy.

History of Discus Fish

Around 181 years ago, Johann Natterrer found this peculiar species in some parts of the Amazon River in Brazil, Peru, or Colombia. He was later supported by Dr. Johann Jakob Heckel, who contributed to their scientific description. Heckel placed them in the family of cichlids, specifically in the genus symphysodon. However, it was not until 1921 that discus fish were exported outside of their native region and introduced to other parts of the world. In the 1930s and 1940s, exotic fish breeders in North America and Europe began marketing them commercially.

Characteristics of Discus Fish

As mentioned earlier, discus fish have a distinct shape that sets them apart from other species. They have a flat body that makes them look like a disc, with an average diameter of 2” to 4” when detached. With the right lighting, their turquoise, blue, green, red, and dove hues appear even more stunning. Their vertical dark stripes, together with their small mouth and bright red eyes, make them one of the most striking freshwater aquarium fish. Additionally, some discus fish have hybridized colors, making them a real spectacle in the water. Their stripes represent both a shield and a means of communication within the school.

Discus fish can grow up to 6” to 8”, depending on the care they receive, and they can live up to 15 years. When kept in groups of the same age, they get along well, making for an easy-to-maintain community tank. However, they show territorial behavior when their ages differ, which could result in bullying among the fish. Male discus fish might become aggressive when looking for a mate, but this is normal for adults.

Reproduction of Discus Fish

Discus fish can mate from the age of ten months, but full sexual maturity is not reached until around two years of age. Studies suggest that the best time to breed discus fish is between two to four years. The female discus fish will display an ovipositor, which is where she will deposit the eggs. The male will fertilize the eggs through the spermiduct. Discus fish will lay their eggs in a secluded location chosen by the female after ensuring that it is clean. They will lay eggs every 15 days, although it is better for them to do so monthly to allow the removal of any unfertilized eggs. After 50 hours, the eggs will hatch, and the parents will cleanse them of any debris. The parents will also group the tiny larvae, allowing them to have better control. Once the fry has obtained the parents' trust, they will gradually start to swim away from them. By the third to fourth week, they will be able to consume the same food as their parents.

Feeding Discus Fish

Discus fish are omnivores that feed on both meat and vegetables. You can feed them brine shrimp, blackworms, or vegetable algae. In their natural habitats, they feed on small crustaceans, insect larvae, pieces of plants, and fallen fruits. Their diet should be rich in vitamins, protein, and low in fat.

However, feeding discus fish requires some technique. It is essential to moderate their feeding and give them enough time to consume their food without overfeeding them. Pellet food should be moistened before feeding them to prevent them from swelling inside the fish's stomach, likely causing bloating or digestive issues. It is also best to feed them once or twice a day, depending on their needs.