Quick Overview Widely known as the “King of the Aquarium,” Discus (Symphysodon spp.) are the absolute pinnacle of the freshwater keeping hobby. Originally from the warm, slow-moving tributaries of the Amazon Basin, these peaceful, flat-bodied cichlids are prized for their elegant swimming style and spectacular, intensely bred color morphs—ranging from brilliant turquoise blues to fiery pigeon blood reds. While they are a majestic showpiece, they demand highly pristine water conditions, a specialized diet, and strict temperature control to thrive.
Tank Requirements & Local Care Tips
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Care Level: Advanced
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Minimum Tank Size: 55 Gallons (Must be kept in groups of 5 or more to establish a healthy pecking order)
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Water Temperature: 28°C to 31°C (Strict warm-water requirement)
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Temperament: Peaceful but delicate (Keep with warm-water, docile tank mates like Sterbai Corydoras and Cardinal Tetras; avoid fast, aggressive eaters)
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Bacolod Hobbyist Tip: Discus require exceptionally clean, warm water. While Bacolod has a naturally warm tropical climate, you will still absolutely need a heavy-duty, reliable aquarium heater to maintain that strict 28°C+ sweet spot, especially during the cooler rainy season months (habagat). You must also stay on top of regular water changes! Drop by our shop to invest in premium biological filtration media, specialized high-protein Discus pellets, and a healthy group of these magnificent centerpiece fish.






