Discus fish are among the most stunning and sought-after freshwater aquarium fish. Known for their round, disc-shaped bodies and vibrant colors, they originate from the Amazon River Basin.
Over the years, selective breeding has created a wide variety of discus types, each with unique patterns and hues. While they require specific care, their beauty and graceful movement make them a favorite for aquarists.
In this guide, we explore 18 different discus fish types and their key characteristics.
1. Heckel Discus (Symphysodon discus)
The Heckel Discus is a stunning wild-caught discus species, famous for its distinctive black vertical band running through the center of its body. Found in the Rio Negro and other Amazonian tributaries, this discus has a deep red or blue coloration with intricate patterns. It thrives in warm, soft, and slightly acidic water, making it more challenging to keep than captive-bred varieties. Due to its size and sensitivity, it requires a large, well-maintained aquarium with stable conditions.
Key Features:
- Adult Size: Grows up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter.
- Lifespan: Can live for up to 10 years with proper care.
- Water Parameters: Prefers pH 5.0-6.5, soft water, and 82-86°F (28-30°C).
- Diet: Primarily eats live and frozen foods, such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.
- Tank Requirements: Needs at least a 75-gallon tank with excellent filtration.
- Behavior: Semi-peaceful but may become territorial during breeding.
2. Blue/Brown Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)
The Blue/Brown Discus is a naturally occurring discus species found in the central Amazon Basin. It is one of the hardiest discus varieties, making it a great choice for those new to keeping wild discus. This species varies in color from brown to vibrant blue, often with faint vertical stripes. While they are more adaptable than Heckel Discus, they still require warm, soft water conditions and a spacious tank to thrive.
Key Features:
- Adult Size: Reaches 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in diameter.
- Lifespan: Can live 8-10 years in optimal conditions.
- Water Parameters: Prefers pH 6.0-7.0, soft water, and 80-86°F (27-30°C).
- Diet: Eats a mix of pellets, live foods, and frozen foods like brine shrimp.
- Tank Requirements: Requires a 55-75 gallon tank with stable water conditions.
- Behavior: Peaceful and social, best kept in groups of five or more.
3. Green Discus (Symphysodon tarzoo)
The Green Discus is another wild discus species, mainly found in the western Amazon Basin. It is distinguished by its greenish hue, often accented by red or blue patterns. Green Discus are relatively rare in the aquarium trade, making them a prized addition for discus enthusiasts. Like other wild-caught discus, they demand excellent water quality, making them more challenging to keep than domesticated varieties.
Key Features:
- Adult Size: Typically grows up to 7 inches (18 cm).
- Lifespan: Can live up to 10 years with proper care.
- Water Parameters: Requires pH 5.5-6.5 and warm temperatures of 82-86°F (28-30°C).
- Diet: Prefers live and frozen foods, but can be trained to eat pellets.
- Tank Requirements: Needs a minimum of 75 gallons, with dense vegetation and hiding spots.
- Behavior: Peaceful but shy, benefits from a well-established aquarium.
4. Red Turquoise Discus
The Red Turquoise Discus is a strikingly beautiful hybrid variety known for its deep red coloration and turquoise patterns. It is one of the most popular discus types among aquarists due to its vibrant appearance. This discus is bred selectively to enhance its bold colors and patterns, making it an eye-catching centerpiece in any tank.
Key Features:
- Adult Size: Grows up to 8 inches (20 cm).
- Lifespan: Typically lives up to 10 years in well-maintained tanks.
- Water Parameters: Prefers pH 6.0-7.0 and 82-86°F (28-30°C) water.
- Diet: Eats a balanced diet of pellets, frozen, and live foods.
- Tank Requirements: Requires a minimum 75-gallon tank with stable conditions.
- Behavior: Peaceful, best kept with other discus and non-aggressive tank mates.
5. Blue Diamond Discus
The Blue Diamond Discus is a solid-colored variety that lacks traditional patterning. Its brilliant blue hue and smooth, uniform body make it one of the most sought-after discus types. This fish is a result of selective breeding, creating a mesmerizing glow under aquarium lighting.
Key Features:
- Adult Size: Reaches 6-7 inches (15-18 cm).
- Lifespan: Can live up to 10 years with proper care.
- Water Parameters: Needs pH 6.0-7.5 and 80-86°F (27-30°C).
- Diet: Prefers high-protein foods like bloodworms and beef heart.
- Tank Requirements: Thrives in a 55-75 gallon tank with soft, clean water.
- Behavior: Calm and social, does well in discus community tanks.
6. Leopard Discus
The Leopard Discus is known for its intricate spotted pattern, resembling the markings of a leopard. This pattern can vary in density, with some having small spots and others featuring larger rosettes. It is a highly sought-after variety, making it a favorite among discus breeders.
Key Features:
- Adult Size: Grows up to 7 inches (18 cm).
- Lifespan: Lives 8-10 years in a stable environment.
- Water Parameters: Needs pH 6.0-7.0 and 80-86°F (27-30°C).
- Diet: Requires a mix of pellets, live foods, and frozen foods.
- Tank Requirements: Minimum 75-gallon tank with good filtration.
- Behavior: Peaceful but slightly territorial when breeding.
7. Pigeon Blood Discus
The Pigeon Blood Discus is one of the most recognizable discus varieties, featuring a bright red or orange body with white or yellowish markings. First bred in the 1990s, it quickly became a favorite due to its bold colors and ease of care compared to some wild discus species.
Key Features:
- Adult Size: Reaches 6-8 inches (15-20 cm).
- Lifespan: Can live 8-10 years with proper care.
- Water Parameters: Prefers pH 6.0-7.0 and 80-86°F (27-30°C).
- Diet: Eats a varied diet of high-protein pellets and live foods.
- Tank Requirements: Requires a minimum 55-gallon tank with stable water.
- Behavior: Generally peaceful but can be dominant in social groups.
8. Albino Discus
The Albino Discus is a unique variety bred to lack pigmentation, resulting in a pale, white, or yellowish appearance with red eyes. Its delicate coloration makes it a favorite for aquarists who want a soft yet elegant look in their tanks. However, due to their genetic sensitivity, they require stable water conditions and dim lighting to prevent stress.
Key Features:
- Adult Size: Grows up to 6-8 inches (15-20 cm).
- Lifespan: Typically lives 8-10 years with excellent care.
- Water Parameters: Prefers pH 6.0-7.0 and 82-86°F (28-30°C).
- Diet: Enjoys live and frozen foods, but can be trained to eat pellets.
- Tank Requirements: Needs a minimum 75-gallon tank with shaded areas.
- Behavior: Shy and peaceful, best kept with other calm discus varieties.
9. Snake Skin Discus
The Snake Skin Discus features an intricate maze-like pattern across its entire body, making it one of the most visually appealing discus varieties. This variety is selectively bred for its complex pattern, which can be found in red, blue, or brown shades.
Key Features:
- Adult Size: Reaches 6-7 inches (15-18 cm).
- Lifespan: Can live up to 10 years with proper care.
- Water Parameters: Requires pH 6.0-7.0 and 80-86°F (27-30°C).
- Diet: Thrives on a mix of live, frozen, and pellet foods.
- Tank Requirements: Needs a 55-75 gallon tank with stable conditions.
- Behavior: Peaceful but benefits from being in a group.
10. Golden Discus
The Golden Discus is a bright yellow variant of discus fish that adds a warm and sunny touch to an aquarium. This variety lacks the typical dark stripes of wild discus and instead displays a uniform golden hue, sometimes with a metallic sheen.
Key Features:
- Adult Size: Grows up to 7 inches (18 cm).
- Lifespan: Lives up to 10 years.
- Water Parameters: Prefers pH 6.0-7.0 and 82-86°F (28-30°C).
- Diet: Eats high-protein pellets, frozen, and live foods.
- Tank Requirements: Requires a minimum 55-gallon tank.
- Behavior: Social and does well with other discus.
11. Marlboro Red Discus
The Marlboro Red Discus is known for its intense red body and a contrasting white or yellow face. This variety has been selectively bred to remove dark patterns, leaving a solid and striking red color.
Key Features:
- Adult Size: Grows up to 8 inches (20 cm).
- Lifespan: Typically lives 8-10 years.
- Water Parameters: Needs pH 6.0-7.0 and 80-86°F (27-30°C).
- Diet: Prefers protein-rich foods like bloodworms and beef heart.
- Tank Requirements: Needs a 75-gallon tank with good filtration.
- Behavior: Peaceful and easy to pair with other discus.
12. Cobalt Discus
The Cobalt Discus is a solid-colored variety featuring a metallic blue sheen. It is highly sought after due to its smooth, iridescent look, making it a favorite for modern aquarium setups.
Key Features:
- Adult Size: Reaches 6-7 inches (15-18 cm).
- Lifespan: Can live up to 10 years.
- Water Parameters: Prefers pH 6.0-7.5 and 82-86°F (28-30°C).
- Diet: Eats high-protein pellets, frozen foods, and brine shrimp.
- Tank Requirements: Needs a 55-75 gallon tank.
- Behavior: Social and adapts well to group settings.
13. Checkerboard Discus
The Checkerboard Discus is named for its alternating patches of light and dark, creating a checkered appearance. It is one of the most visually striking discus fish due to its detailed pattern.
Key Features:
- Adult Size: Grows up to 7 inches (18 cm).
- Lifespan: Typically lives 8-10 years.
- Water Parameters: Prefers pH 6.0-7.0 and 80-86°F (27-30°C).
- Diet: Eats a mix of frozen, live, and pellet foods.
- Tank Requirements: Requires a minimum 75-gallon tank.
- Behavior: Active and does well in a discus community.
14. White Butterfly Discus
The White Butterfly Discus is an elegant, pale-colored discus with a smooth, almost translucent appearance. It is a rare variety that adds a peaceful ambiance to an aquarium.
Key Features:
- Adult Size: Grows up to 7 inches (18 cm).
- Lifespan: Can live 8-10 years.
- Water Parameters: Needs pH 6.0-7.0 and 80-86°F (27-30°C).
- Diet: Prefers frozen foods, live foods, and high-quality pellets.
- Tank Requirements: Needs a 75-gallon tank with dim lighting.
- Behavior: Peaceful and best kept in groups.
15. Red Melon Discus
The Red Melon Discus is a brilliant red discus with minimal patterning, making it one of the boldest discus types available. It is selectively bred for its intense color.
Key Features:
- Adult Size: Reaches 6-8 inches (15-20 cm).
- Lifespan: Lives 8-10 years.
- Water Parameters: Prefers pH 6.0-7.0 and 82-86°F (28-30°C).
- Diet: Eats protein-rich foods like bloodworms and beef heart.
- Tank Requirements: Requires a 55-75 gallon tank.
- Behavior: Social and adaptable.
16. Snow White Discus
The Snow White Discus is an all-white variety, completely lacking pigmentation. It is one of the rarest discus types available.
Key Features:
- Adult Size: Reaches 6-7 inches (15-18 cm).
- Lifespan: Lives 8-10 years.
- Water Parameters: Prefers pH 6.0-7.0 and 80-86°F (27-30°C).
- Diet: Eats pellets, frozen foods, and bloodworms.
- Tank Requirements: Needs a 55-gallon tank.
- Behavior: Peaceful and does well in groups.
