Discus

Symphysodon aequifasciatus

Size: 12–20 cm · 150–250 g
Diet: Omnivore
Activity: Diurnal
Sociality: Social
Lifespan: 10–15 years

The discus is a round-bodied cichlid of Amazonian waters. It lives in quiet, woody habitats and is notable for close parental care of fry.

View in catalog

Key facts

Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) is an omnivore animal classified as Fish · Blenniiformes · Cichlidae.
Primary habitats are freshwater · forest, with a range across Neotropical.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is social, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
The discus is a round-bodied cichlid of Amazonian waters.
It inhabits freshwater forest waters in the Neotropics.
Typical lifespan: 10–15 years

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It inhabits freshwater forest waters in the Neotropics. Flooded forest, submerged wood, slow flow, and dim water provide cover.

Appearance

Length 12-20 cm; weight 150 g-250 g. The body is strongly compressed and nearly circular in side view. Colors range through green, brown, and bluish tones with fine vertical bars.

Behavior

Diurnal and social, juveniles and nonbreeders often move in groups. Breeding pairs defend a site and keep young close.

Feeding

An omnivore, it eats small invertebrates, algae, and detritus. It picks food from the bottom and surfaces of submerged wood.

Reproduction

A pair lays eggs on a flat surface, and both parents guard eggs and larvae. Fry feed on mucus secreted from the parents’ skin after hatching.

Notes

It is listed as Least Concern, though local populations can still be affected by habitat change, collection, or pollution.