Discus
Symphysodon
Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.
Discus are deep-bodied South American cichlids familiar in aquariums. This account follows the blue discus, a schooling fish of the Amazon system that uses submerged roots and rocky shelter.
Blue discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) photographed in an aquarium.
At a glance
- Location
- Symphysodon aequifasciatus is the representative described here, following FishBase's species treatment. It occurs in the eastern Amazon and lower tributaries. Deep sheltered places among roots and rocks provide habitat.
- Habitat
- Rivers and lakes
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Food
- Insects, insect larvae and other small invertebrates supply food in the cited account.
Classification
- Common name
- Discus
- Browse group
- Fish
- Scientific name or taxon
- Symphysodon
- Source classification
- Actinopterygii
Three things to know
- Its body is strongly compressed.
- Fish usually gather in schools.
- Breeding animals become territorial.
Habitat and range
Symphysodon aequifasciatus is the representative described here, following FishBase's species treatment. It occurs in the eastern Amazon and lower tributaries. Deep sheltered places among roots and rocks provide habitat.
Appearance and adaptations
A strongly compressed, rounded body gives discus their common name. This account concerns the wild blue discus rather than assigning the colours of selectively bred aquarium strains to all wild populations.
Diet and behaviour
Insects, insect larvae and other small invertebrates supply food in the cited account. Fish normally gather in schools but defend breeding areas. Their behaviour therefore changes with reproductive condition.
Sources
- FishBase: Symphysodon aequifasciatus
- A–Z Animals: Discus · Directory entry
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