Heckel Discus
Symphysodon discus
Heckel Discus (Symphysodon discus) — Expert care, Semi-aggressive, under Cichlid. Minimum tank in the app: 74 US gal min; aim for 81–88°F and pH 4.5–6.5. Details below match the app.
Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.
Natural distribution
South America
- South America
Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.
Heckel Discus Tank Setup
Plan for at least 74 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 81–88°F and pH 4.5–6.5 without daily drama. These fish use the Mid zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.
What Do Heckel Discus Eat?
We record diet as Carnivore (live foods). Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.
Heckel Discus Tank Mates
Temperament in the data: Semi-aggressive. Wild-type Discus species; most demanding. Requires very soft, very acidic blackwater. Expert-only species. Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.
Are Heckel Discus Good for Beginners?
Not where we would send a brand-new keeper. Get a few wins under your belt with hardier fish first.
Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.
Similar fish to consider
Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.