Discus
Demanding: warm, pristine, soft water; experienced keepers
Overview
The Discus (Symphysodon spp.) is a Freshwater (Tropical) fish growing to about 6–8 in and living 10–15 yrs. It's peaceful (sensitive) and best kept in a group. Plan a tank of at least 55+ gal. With a typical lifespan of around 13 years, it's a medium-length commitment.
Is the Discus right for you?
A good match if — you want a calm community tank.
Think twice if — this is your first tank — this species is demanding.
What a Discus needs from you
The ongoing work is water quality: filtration, regular water changes and stable parameters. As a tropical fish it needs a stable, heated tank. Don't undersize the tank (minimum about 55+ gal).
Key facts
- Water type
- Freshwater (Tropical)
- Scientific name
- Symphysodon spp.
- Adult size
- 6–8 in
- Life span
- 10–15 yrs
- Temperament
- peaceful (sensitive)
- Social needs
- groups (5+)
- Min. tank
- 55+ gal
- Care level
- advanced
- Notes
- Demanding: warm, pristine, soft water; experienced keepers
What it needs from you (at a glance)
| Space needed | |
| Experience needed | |
| Maintenance | |
| Time per day | |
| Need for company | |
| Handling / closeness | |
| Cost level |
What it costs
Scaled to this breed’s roughly 60 g and a ~13-year life, keeping a Discus works out at about:
Rough cross-breed averages in USD — a planning guide, not a quote. Break it down by life phase in the Cost Calculator →
Temperament (at a glance)
| Affection | no data yet |
| Energy | no data yet |
| Vocalness | |
| Trainability | no data yet |
| Tolerates alone | no data yet |