Discus fish have been popular since their introduction to the aquarium trade. First appearing in about 1935 and imports from South America (Peru) were the only available source until bred successfully in the late 70s. Since that time this gorgeous and graceful fish has gone through a succession of changes in color and even structure. Colors are now almost designer in selection, varieties of blues, greens, reds, golds and combinations of all now are available, hi-fins, and even thread-fins now exist. The most recent addition to the naturally occurring Discus family was the Pineapple variety in the mid 80s. Discus fish are of the family symphysodon, comprised of several subspecies or types. Primary differences are in coloration and generally dictated by the general local in which they are found and collected. All wild Discus are collected from the Amazon River or it's tributaries, the most brilliant and colorful varieties are collected from those areas where the water conditions are high in humus and very acid (5.5 to 6.5) Royal Blue being an example.

The basic group consists of brown, heckle, blue and green. With in these groups colors vary greatly an example would be that in the blue variety the week (lesser) colored specimens may look like common brown discus while on the high end of the color spectrum of blues resides the royal blue. Discus require frequent feedings of high protein foods, 85f temperature (min.) and a pH no higher than 6.5 if success is to obtained. These fish may survive in other conditions for a while but will never reach their potential and will perish early on.

Our discus have their genetic roots buried deep in the rain forest of South America, the Amazon River and its many tributaries offer shelter and foods to this spectacular freshwater species. The waters of the Amazon vary in pH., ranging from acid (6.5) to extremely acid (4.8) in the backwater tributaries, the waters are also soft to very soft and crystal clear to black in color. Discus will perform and respond best when kept at 6.0 to 6.5, breeding requires 5.6 to 5.9 for best results. Water temperatures should be maintained at 84f to 88f, breeding may require temperature increase to 90f to 92f, provide good water circulation / aeration for optimum oxygen quality. 10% of water should be changed weekly (20-25% recommended) for optimum results and general health. Discus are grazers, seeking food all day, and should therefore be fed many small feedings or provided foods which can remain in aquarium without breaking down or rotting. We recommend worms, beefheart,  and worm feeder ring.

If water conditions are not adequate as described above, float fish in bag (Unopened) in the aquarium for 15 - 20 min. Open bag and roll top down to form a 'collar', add 1 cup of water from aquarium into the bag with fish, repeat adding a cup every 5 min. until amount of original water in fish bag has doubled. After 5 more min. remove fish from bag and add to aquarium, dispose of bag and water, do not add bag water to your aquarium. Fish will likely hide until settled in, this is normal behavior. Wait 24 hours for first feeding. NOW.... Sit back and enjoy the beauty of your new discus.