fish · Cichlidae
Blue discus
Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Wild range: Amazon / Solimões floodplain lakes and flooded forests (South America)
At a glance: Blue discus care
Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.
What temperature is listed for Blue discus?
The compiled profile lists 27.8–30.0 °C for Blue discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.
What tank size is listed for Blue discus?
The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 75.0 US gallons (284.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.
What pH is listed for Blue discus?
The compiled profile lists a pH of 6.0–7.0. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.
Aquarium care
Blue/common discus need warm (≈82–86°F / 27.8–30°C), soft, acidic, very clean water and tall aquaria. Aqueon recommends 75+ gallons for adults; Seriously Fish suggests ~255 L (~67 gal) for a few juveniles or a breeding pair; Buce Plant cites 55 gal as a crowded minimum for 3–5 with heavy water changes—prefer 75 gal. Provide gentle flow, vertical wood/plants for cover, and large frequent water changes. Captive-bred stock are easier than wild fish but still not beginner livestock.
Feeding
Omnivores: quality flakes/granules plus frozen/live foods. Rotate diet; adults typically 2–3 feeds/day. Some breeders use beef heart—not a natural staple.
Compatibility
Generally calm and peaceful but pair/spawn aggression occurs among conspecifics. Suitable warm-soft tankmates include cardinal/rummynose tetras, sterile corys, dwarf cichlids (rams/Apistogramma) that tolerate high temperature.
Sources
Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.