Heckel discus
Symphysodon heckelii
Family : Cichlidae
FishFreshwatercichlids
The most famous wild discus, demanding in care but magnificent.
Popularity
Biotope specialist
requires biotope recreation
Availability
Specialty onlyShop availability
IUCN Status
NT
Near Threatened
Description
The Heckel discus is one of the most iconic discus species. It is distinguished by five dark vertical bars on a blue-green body. It lives in schools in acidic blackwaters. It is a very sensitive fish requiring perfectly clean and stable water.
Habitat
Region :
Acidic blackwaters of the Rio Negro and Amazon
Distribution :
Recommended parameters
Temperature28–30 °C
pH5–6
GH1–3 °dGH
KH0–1 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 10 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.5 mg/L
Care
Difficulty
5/5
Diet
Carnivore
Min. tank
200 L
Min. group
6
Adult size
20 cm
Lifespan
10 years
Temperament
Peaceful
Propagation
Substrate spawner; eggs laid on vertical surfaces, parents produce mucus for fry to feed on.
Care notes
Tank of at least 200L, with bare bottom or sparse planting, roots and frequent water changes. Very soft water (GH < 3, KH < 1), pH 5.0-6.0, temperature 28-30°C. Rich varied diet: beef heart, brine shrimp, worms. Keep in groups of at least 6. Avoid stressful tankmates.
Similar species
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