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Freshwater   Fishes

Green Discus
(Symphysodon tarzoo)

Green Discus

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

Names

Scientific name
Symphysodon tarzoo

Common name
Green discus

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: South America, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana and Peru
Biotope: Amazonian

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

No Data

Group

Group

Cichlidae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

450 L / 100 imp gal / 120 US gal

Parameters

what are the water parameters for the maintenance of this fish?

T°: 25 to 31°C or 79 to 88°F
pH: 5 to 6.5
Hardness: 1 to 4°dGH

Difficulty

Difficulty

Hard

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

13 to 16cm (5 to 6.3")

Longevity

what is the average Longevity of this fish?

10 to 14 years

Living zone

in which area of the aquarium does this fish live?

Middle

Individuals

sociability of the species

6

Food

How to feed the Green Discus?

Food

How to feed the Green Discus?

The Discus tarzoo is omnivorous. It must therefore have a great variety of food to avoid deficiencies and to keep it healthy.

It easily accepts frozen, live food (worms, tubifex, artemia, insect larvae, zooplankton) or dry (pellets, granules, straws).

Pay attention to the amount of food given as it could pollute the water in your aquarium. Thus, you will feed an adult Symphysodon only once a day.

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Green Discus have?

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Green Discus have?

Tropical fish native to South America (Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Peru). It will live in your aquarium at mid-depth.

With a gregarious instinct, it will enjoy living in a group of at least 6 individuals, in which they will associate by couple. A certain hierarchy is observable. For example, you will occasionally notice conflicts or parries.

The Discus tarzoo is peaceful. Nevertheless, it will become much more combative during breeding periods, and this especially with its own congeners, towards which it can show a real aggressiveness.

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Green Discus?

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Green Discus?

Like all Discus, this species can be timid and fearful. Avoid the presence of too active or aggressive fish that would disturb the serenity of Discus.

You can associate them with territorial fish but it is absolutely necessary that they are peaceful, quiet and not too small. Indeed, Discus are predators and small fish like shrimp could end up as dinner for our Symphysodon tarzoo!

You can however associate them with Corydoras or Cardinalis (Paracheirodon axelrodi) without worries.

Breeding

How to breed the Green Discus?

Breeding

How to breed the Green Discus?

Contrary to what one can read regularly, Discus are not monogamous. So you can choose the fish that interest you for breeding. Note that a young fish can take up to a year to reach sexual maturity.

Their breeding is quite difficult. You will need to invest in a 125 liters or 27 Imp Gallons / 33 US Gallons aquarium specifically dedicated to their breeding (50x50x50). You will have to install in this aquarium a support for laying, like a cone for example. Little trick: a flower pot or a terracotta pot will also do the trick!

The key to success is in the water parameters, which must remain very stable: temperature above 27°C or 80°F, KH less than 5, nitrates less than 3 mg/l, conductivity at 150/250 microsiemens. To obtain these parameters, the use of osmosis water is essential.

You will then see a beautiful breeding. The pair of fish will start by thoroughly cleaning the pot or cone at the exact location of the laying.

Then, the female will lay its eggs (from 100 to 300 eggs) by moving from bottom to top. The male will follow the movement to fertilise the eggs immediately. The eggs will then be protected, maintained and cleaned by the parents.

The Discus will take care of its offspring. Once the fry come out of their eggs, the parents will produce mucus on their bodies that will be used as food.

Fry food: Artemia nauplii freshly hatched (5 times a day without parental presence). After about 20 days, add pellets for Discus fry, as well as dry flake powder.

Regularly check the parameters of your aquarium during the growth of the young fry. Make water changes regularly, paying careful attention to the temperature of the water introduced.

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Green Discus?

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Green Discus;?

The minimum volume is 350 liters or 77 Imp Gallons or 92 US Gallons for a small group.

Pay close attention to the temperature of the water, which should be between 25 and 31°C or 77 and 88°F (ideally between 27 and 29°C or 80 and 84°F). Being very sensitive to variations in parameters, when you change the water in your tank (15 to 25% twice a month), make sure that the new water has exactly the same parameters, including the temperature.

In nature, the Discus lives in a murky water. In order to recreate its aquarium conditions, you can use a peat filter that will add extra comfort to your fish.

Finally, for a natural setting close to its biotope, install large roots and plant your aquarium densely (leaving enough room for swimming). It will evolve more easily and feel safe.

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

The Discus tarzoo will be more for experienced aquarists. Indeed, it is an extremely fragile species.

Discus is particularly prone to intestinal worms. They then develop symptoms such as thinness, loss of appetite, swollen belly, white, filamentous stools, a hollow above the eyes. You can worm them preventively once every three months, with Prescoli or Fluvermal to limit or prevent attacks.

The Symphysodon Tarzoo is distinguished from the other species of Discus (Symphysodon Discus and Symphysodon Aequifasciatus) by the presence of red dots on the side of its body and on its fin.

Fish almost impossible to find in stores, you can acquire them in specialised clubs or with enthusiasts (you will also benefit from their advice and experience). The Common Discus is the species Symphysodon aequifasciatus.

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