Design

As with other cichlids, both discus fish parents care for the young. An amazing behavior of the discus fish, however, is just how it cares for the larvae. The adult discus produces a secretion through its skin, on which the larvae live during their first few days. The young can be seen “grazing” off their parents.

Features

• The discus fish has a very flattened body shape. It is compressed from the sides into a discus shape, from where it gets its name.
• The sides of this fish are frequently patterned in shades of green, red, brown, and blue. The colors are patterned in vertical bars or horizontal stripes overlaid with wavy lines that extend into the dorsal and anal fins.

Fun Facts

• The discus fish is native to the Amazon River basin.
• It is also a popular aquarium fish and has been called the king of the aquarium fishes.
• The colors of the discus fish will flare and become more distinct if the animal is startled or feels threatened.