Discus

With their unusual shape and beautiful shimmering scales discus are widely admired, but many aquarists are nervous about keeping them because they have a reputation for being difficult to look after. In fact, so long as you take good basic care with water quality and provide them with plenty of space, discus can thrive in the aquarium and can prove delightful fish to keep. Despite being members of the cichlid family, discus are best suited to soft, slightly acidic water.

Native to freshwater springs and small streams, they need extremely clean water and will benefit from weekly partial water changes in the aquarium. You must have good filtration in order to keep them successfully.

Relatively peaceful fish, they can do well in a community aquarium, but will thrive only with other fish who need similar conditions. Neon tetra get along well with discus, despite their difference in size, as do many species of catfish.

Discus are largely carnivorous by nature, though they can benefit from eating some vegetable matter for roughage. They are quite vulnerable to infection, so you should supply them with live food only if it comes from trusted sources - brine shrimp are usually the safest option. Fortunately they can do well on a diet comprised exclusively of flakes and/or pellets. They enjoy frozen meaty food and also small pieces of roast beef and chicken, so you can share your own dinner with them.

Naturally shy when on their own, discus do best in a shoal with several of their own kind. As they can dart around violently, you should avoid sharp rocks and ornaments in the tank. Plants and bogwood are a good option, to supply them with hiding places.

Types of Discus

Extremely popular with breeders, discus have proved highly adaptable, with the four original wild species developing into a wide range of interesting varieties. Some of the most popular types of discus are as follows:

• Green Discus -This beautiful stripy green fish is particularly prized if it exhibits red spots.

• Brown Discus -Probably the easiest kind of discus to keep, this is also the easiest to find. It is comparatively adaptable and peaceful by nature.

• Spotted Discus -Increasingly popular in the aquarium trade, this comparatively hardy fish is available in several colour varieties.

• Red Turquoise Discus -This striking fish has a complex pattern of turquoise and red markings which are more vivid when it is in good health.

• Heckel Discus -This wild species is notable for the dark vertical stripe down its body. It needs warmer, more acidic water than most discus varieties, and is not recommended for the beginner.

• Pigeon Blood Discus -Golden bodied with distinctive black markings, this fish is also notable for its bright red eyes. Its black markings will become more vivid if it is ill or under stress.

All varieties of discus can be kept together as part of the same shoal, and can potentially interbreed.

Breeding Discus

Sexing discus can be difficult, as there are no obvious differences between males and females - your best bet is to observe the way they interact with each other. A pair of discus who are ready to breed will select a territory within the aquarium and begin to defend it from other fish. However, it is best to transfer them to a separate tank for breeding. This tank should contain plants and vertical rocky surfaces for egg deposition. Change a small amount of the water in the breeding tank every other day and increase the supply of food.

There is no need to remove the parent fish after eggs have been laid. Both male and female discus are attentive parents and will guard and tend to the young. They'll even exude a special mucus which provides food for them. If you keep the parents in good health, they'll take care of everything else.

Discus are fascinating and intelligent fish with a range of complex behaviours. They do require more effort and attention than the average fish, but they have lots to offer in return.