The article in brief
The wild discus, native to the Amazon basin, is a fascinating freshwater fish for keen aquarists.
- Three main species Symphysodon discus, S. aequifasciatus and S. haraldi
- Varied natural habitat: white, clear and black waters
- Life in colonies in the wild, breeding during the rainy season
- Aquarium maintenance demanding Large volume, soft warm water (29-32°C)
- A varied diet and daily care essential
Ah, the wild discus ! What a magnificent fish! I still remember the first time I saw one in its natural habitat on a trip to the Amazon. It was fascinating! Let me tell you more about this extraordinary species that is the dream of so many passionate aquarists.
Origins and classification of wild discus
Wild discus is a freshwater fish native to the Amazon basin. It is found mainly in Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela. These magnificent creatures inhabit the tributaries and backwaters of the Amazon, where they find refuge in calm, vegetation-rich waters.
The different species of discus
There are three main species of wild discus:
- Symphysodon discus (Heckel)
- Symphysodon aequifasciatus
- Symphysodon haraldi
Each of these species has its own particularities, but they all share the characteristic disc shape that gave them their name. I remember spending hours observing them, marvelling at their shimmering colours and graceful movements.
The natural habitat of the discus
Wild discus live in three different types of water:
- White water, rich in sediment
- Clear, transparent, nutrient-poor water
- Black water, coloured by the decomposition of plant matter
These different environments influence the coloration and behaviour of the discus. It's fascinating to see how they adapt to their environment!
Behaviour and lifestyle in the wild
In their natural habitat, wild discus behave in very interesting ways. They live in colonies, which enables them to protect each other from predators. I've had the chance to observe these communities during my dives in the Amazon, and I can tell you it's an unforgettable sight!
Reactions to stress
When they feel threatened, wild discus tend to take refuge under submerged roots. It's their favourite hiding place! It's important to be aware of this flight response if you're planning to keep them in your aquarium. You'll need to provide them with similar shelters to make them feel safe.
Breeding in the wild
The reproduction of wild discus is fascinating. It takes place during the rainy season, when the water level rises. Pairs lay their eggs on submerged leaves. It's a magical moment to watch! The parents look after their young with touching care.
Here is a table summarising the breeding conditions for wild discus:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Season | Rainy season |
| Egg-laying support | Submerged leaves |
| Water temperature | 29-32°C |
| pH | 6-7 |
Keeping wild discus in an aquarium
If you're an enthusiast like me, you may be dreaming of welcoming wild discus into your home. It's possible, but be warned: it's not an easy task! These fish are demanding and require a lot of care.
The ideal aquarium for discus
To keep wild discus, you'll need an aquarium of at least 350 litres for 5 or 6 fish. Height is important: allow at least 50 cm. The water should be soft and acidic, with a pH between 6 and 7, a hardness (GH) of 4 and an alkalinity (KH) between 1 and 3. The temperature should be high, between 29 and 32°C.
The décor is vital: use roots, leaves and South American plants to recreate their natural habitat. Don't forget the hiding places! As I said, discus love to take refuge under roots when they're stressed.
Nutrition and daily care
Wild discus need a varied diet. I recommend three meals a day, made up of artemia, special pellets for discus and homemade mash. It's a bit like cooking for kings! Filtration should be effective, with peat moss to acidify the water. Don't forget the weekly water changes of 20 to 30%.
Watch out for common diseases such as gill worms (dactylogyrus). Keep a close eye on your fish and don't hesitate to treat them preventively if necessary. Unfortunately, discus can sometimes develop tumours or suffer cardiac arrest. It's always heartbreaking to lose one of these magnificent fish...
If you want to diversify your aquarium, you should know that discus can cohabit with certain species of fish. fighting fish or blue neon lights. They also get on well with heat-resistant corydoras, some small South American cichlids and a few characids and loricariids.
The future of wild discus
Le wild discus is a captivating species, but also a fragile one. Preserving its natural habitat is crucial to its long-term survival. As responsible aquarists, we have a role to play in the conservation of these wonderful fish.
I hope this article has inspired you to find out more about wild discus. If you decide to take them in, remember that they are living creatures that deserve all our respect and attention. Take care of them as I do with my own discus, and they will repay you a hundredfold!
And if discus seem too complicated to keep, there are other interesting exotic fish that are a little easier to keep, such as the oranda fish. Whatever you choose, the important thing is to respect the well-being of your little aquatic protégés!
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