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PisciDex Species Profile

Discus

Iconic warm-water cichlid that needs stable soft acidic conditions, clean water, and calm tankmates suited to high temperatures.

Discus aquarium species

Symphysodon discus

Cichlidae | South America | Amazon basin blackwater habitats

Core Requirements

Tank Size

75 gallons minimum

Adult Size

8 inches

Group Size

Group 6+

Bioload

5/10

Water Parameters

Temperature

82-86 F

pH

4.5-6.5

Plant Safe

Yes

Invert Safe

No

Data Confidence

high

Temperature note: Recommended and tolerated temperature ranges currently match the primary care profile.

Care Warnings

  • Requires warm, stable, very clean water and calm tankmates.

Behavior & Husbandry

Temperament

Peaceful

Aggression

2/10

Diet

Omnivore

Difficulty

Advanced

Lifespan

10 years

Breeding

Advanced

Schooling

Yes

Compatibility Tags

Large TankPeacefulSchoolingMid WaterPlant SafeBlackwaterSoftwater

Similar Species

  • Cardinal TetraSimilar temperament. pH ranges overlap.
  • Clown LoachSimilar temperament. Similar minimum tank size.
  • Silver DollarSimilar temperament. Similar minimum tank size.
  • German Blue RamSimilar temperament. Temperature ranges overlap.

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Species Compatibility

Database-driven compatibility notes for planning community aquariums.