Red discus
Symphysodon discus
FishFreshwater
The red discus has a disc-shaped, compressed body with extended dorsal and anal fins. Its color ranges from bright red to orange, often with iridescent blue spots. It is a schooling and peaceful fish, but very sensitive to water quality. It can reach up to 15 cm in diameter. In the aquarium, it requires constant attention.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 28–30 |
| pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| GH | 1–4 |
| KH | 1–3 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 5 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.1 |
Care
Difficulty4/5
Dietcarnivore
Min. tank300 L
Min. group5
Adult size15 cm
Lifespan10 ans
Temperamentpeaceful
Care notes
Requirements are identical to those of the blue discus: minimum 300 L aquarium, group of 5, very acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5) and very soft (GH 1-4), temperature 28-30°C. Frequent water changes are crucial. The setup should provide hiding places and subdued lighting. Diet must be varied and protein-rich. Avoid boisterous fish. Breeding is possible but delicate.