{"product_id":"discus-assorted-symphysodon-spp-freshwater-cichlid","title":"Discus - Assorted (Symphysodon spp.)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"background:#E3F2FD;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding:10px 14px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn-store pickup only.\u003c\/strong\u003e Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscus (\u003cem\u003eSymphysodon\u003c\/em\u003e spp.), the King of the Aquarium, are large disc-shaped cichlids from the warm, soft, acidic waters of the Amazon. Our assorted Discus come in a rotating selection of pattern morphs (Blue Diamond, Red Turquoise, Pigeon Blood, Marlboro, Snakeskin, Cobalt, and more) so each fish is a one-of-a-kind centerpiece. Pair with our other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fresh-water\"\u003efreshwater livestock\u003c\/a\u003e in a warm planted display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscus are intermediate-to-advanced fishkeeping. They reward patient hobbyists with brilliant color and personality, but they demand pristine water, warm temperatures, and a peaceful tank. Best kept in groups of five or more so they form a natural social hierarchy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55 gallons absolute minimum for a small group. 75 to 125 gallons preferred for adults; taller tanks give them headroom for their disc body shape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGroup size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Five or more. Single Discus tend to stress and hide; pairs often see one bullied. A loose group spreads aggression and brings out natural behaviors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore. Frozen bloodworms, frozen brine, blackworms, high-quality Discus pellets, and the classic beef-heart mix. Feed two to three small meals daily.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 82 to 86°F. Higher than most community fish — Discus run hot. A reliable heater is critical.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater chemistry:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft, slightly acidic. pH 5.5 to 7.0 ideal, GH below 8, KH 1 to 4. Captive-bred fish tolerate up to neutral pH but show their best color in soft water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater changes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30 to 50 percent weekly for adults; daily 25 percent for grow-out fish. Discus eat heavily and produce a lot of waste relative to their gentle nature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oversized canister or sump. Keep flow gentle; Discus dislike strong current.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAcclimation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow drip 60 minutes. Cover the tank for the first 24 hours with low light; Discus are easily startled on arrival.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;width:38%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eSymphysodon\u003c\/em\u003e spp.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eDiscus, Assorted Discus, King of the Aquarium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eCichlidae\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eIntermediate to Advanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003ePeaceful, shy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMax adult size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e6 to 8 in (15 to 20 cm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eCarnivore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMin tank size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e55 gal (75+ preferred)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e82 to 86°F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e5.5 to 7.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eSoft (GH below 8, KH 1 to 4)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e10 to 15 years with proper care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eAmazon basin (captive-bred stock)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eIn-store pickup only\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eTank Mates \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePair Discus with other warm-water tolerant, peaceful species. Cardinal Tetras and Rummynose Tetras are the classic Discus dither fish. Sterbai Corydoras handle 82°F+ temperatures (most cories do not). German Blue Rams, Apistogramma species, and small peaceful pencilfish also work. Bristlenose Plecos are typically fine; avoid common plecos that get huge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid fast or fin-nipping species (Tiger Barbs, Serpae Tetras), large aggressive cichlids (Angelfish are debatable; many keepers do mix them but watch for stress), goldfish, and any fish requiring cool water. Most snails and Amano shrimp are safe; very small ornamental shrimp may be eaten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eRecommended Foods \u0026amp; Supplies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-vibra-bites-sinking-pellet-fish-food\"\u003eHikari Vibra Bites\u003c\/a\u003e — easy-to-feed pellet many Discus take readily once weaned onto dry food.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-nutridiet-chlorella-flakes-w-probiotics\"\u003eSeachem NutriDiet Chlorella Flakes with Probiotics\u003c\/a\u003e — vegetable supplement to round out the high-protein diet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/caribsea-pyroflora-volcanic-substrate-6-lbs\"\u003eCaribSea PyroFlora Volcanic Substrate\u003c\/a\u003e — mineral substrate that helps keep planted Discus tanks slightly acidic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/freshwater-aquarium-plants\"\u003eFreshwater aquarium plants\u003c\/a\u003e — Amazon Swords, Anubias, and Bucephalandra all thrive in Discus parameters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/water-testing\"\u003eWater testing kits\u003c\/a\u003e — non-negotiable for Discus. Test pH, KH, ammonia, and nitrate weekly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy \"assorted\"?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nOur Discus arrive in mixed lots of various pattern morphs. We hand-select each shipment for shape, color, and finnage. Photos shown are representative; the exact pattern and color of your individual fish will vary. Visit the store to pick the ones you want.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many should I start with?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFive is the minimum to spread out aggression and let a hierarchy form. Six to eight in a 75+ gallon tank is ideal. Single or paired Discus tend to stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBare-bottom or planted?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBoth work. Bare-bottom is easier to keep spotlessly clean and is preferred for grow-out tanks. Planted Discus tanks are stunning displays for adults; choose plants that tolerate 82 to 86°F (Anubias, Java Fern, Amazon Sword, Crypts).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo they really need 82+ degree water?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Discus from cooler tanks chronically stress, become more disease-prone, and grow slowly. The warm water is non-negotiable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I feed beef heart?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBeef-heart mix is high-protein and the classic Discus food, but it fouls water fast. Feed small amounts only what they eat in two minutes, siphon any uneaten food immediately, and do a water change the next day. Many keepers feed it once or twice weekly as a treat.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48822383182043,"sku":"FW1-F7180","price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/image_3af85d1c-197a-4626-8780-204c573f5a2f.png?v=1780150326","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/discus-assorted-symphysodon-spp-freshwater-cichlid","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}