The riverbed has soft sediment, and these sections are shadowed. Their large body is protected from the stream in cracks and interruptions in the water flow, such as small inlets or among fallen trees. This pulse allows for a lot more room for development, breeding, and, most importantly, feeding. Habitat and Tank Requirementsĭiscus is a species that originated in the Amazon’s flood plains, where a ‘flood pulse’ can vary the depth of water by meters as it rises along a shallow flood plain. The oldest discus yet discovered was 17 years old. The average longevity of a fish in the wild is 10 years, however, some can live up to 15 years. The lifespan of a discus fish is determined by how well you look after it. Their eyes vary in a variety of colors, with red being particularly coveted - contrary to popular belief, red eyes are not a sign of health.
When they feel threatened, they grow more apparent and flare, which is lovely but should be avoided because they are sensitive to stress. Vertical and horizontal stripes cover the fins as well as the body, bringing the coloring together. When produced in captivity, they are significantly brighter than their wild counterparts. Their popularity stems from their vibrant hues, which can include: They are huge fish for home aquariums, with a body length of 8-10 inches. They feature rounded dorsal and anal fins, as well as pronounced pelvic and caudal fins, which contribute to their overall body structure. Appearanceĭiscus fish get their name from their disc-shaped bodies some are more triangular or spherical than others, but they’re always thin and flat. Light blues and deep reds can be seen in Giant Flora and Red Alenquer Discus, whereas Albino Platinum Discus are entirely white with red eyes that nearly glow.Ī checkerboard Discus fish, with a mottled turquoise splashed over a deep red foundation, is one of the most prevalent varieties.īecause there are so many different kinds, it’s worth your time to make a shoal with the colors you choose. Because the Amazon River drains over half of the continent of South America, this fish thrives in the murky, muddy waters that constantly rush through these habitats.ĭiscus is classified according to their coloring. The discus fish prefers these types of habitats, particularly among submerged tree roots and branches close to shore, where its laterally compressed body can readily move around obstructions to seek refuge from predators. Small tributary rivers, streams, lakes, and flood plains are among the ecological niches found along the Amazon River, which is regarded as one of the world’s most biologically varied regions.
The discus fish was discovered in the wild in South America, notably in the Amazon River and its tributaries. Nattereri reported not just the discus fish, but also a slew of other fish, animals, and birds discovered in the previously undiscovered Amazonian territory. Johann Nattereri, a scientist who collected the discus fish between the years of 18, was the first to identify it.
#DISCUS FISH TYPES HOW TO#
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