Heckel discus

Symphysodon discus

A disk-shaped body and broad central bar; watch the sand-searching behaviour.

Natural Heckel discus, not every colourful discus sold in shops.

Adult length: Up to 12.3 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 26–30 °C
pH: 4.2–6.2
Hardness: 0–1 dGH

Native range: Native to the Brazilian Amazon basin, including waters near the Negro River mouth and the lower Abacaxis and Trombetas rivers.

Natural habitat: Unknown

Origin and condition affect adaptation.

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Appearance and identification

Blue wavering lines cross the brown disk-shaped body, with a stronger central bar. Colours and markings vary. Bar counts and red eyes alone do not identify it.

Social behaviour and territory

Watch dominance and actual feeding within the group.

Compatibility limits

Check origin, competition and territorial behaviour individually.

Space requirements

Keep at least six fish, preferably larger groups; preserve retreat, feeding and maintenance space.

Aquarium environment

Dimmer light, roots and some fine sand support the reported foraging behaviour. Keep bottom feeding areas open and plan plants around maintenance.

Diet and feeding

Observe feeding near sand and confirm every fish eats. Use suitable complete foods with varied aquatic fare; leftovers are not a diet.

Sources

www.aquariumglaser.de ↗ 2026-10-22

www.fishbase.se ↗ 2026-10-25

www.fishbase.se ↗ 2026-10-22

www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk ↗ 2026-10-22

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗ 2026-10-22