Discus Care Guide
The Discus (Symphysodon spp.) is one of the most iconic tropical freshwater fish in the UK aquarium hobby. Known for its round shape, vibrant colours, and graceful movement, it's often referred to as the "king of the aquarium".
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about discus care, including tank size, water conditions, compatibility, feeding, and typical UK prices - plus how to buy or sell them locally.
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Quick facts about Discus
Discus are elegant South American cichlids native to the Amazon Basin. Modern discus are available in a huge range of selectively bred colour varieties, including blue diamond, pigeon blood, turquoise, leopard, and red melon strains.
They are peaceful but demanding fish that require excellent water quality.
Symphysodon spp.
15-20 cm
Amazon Basin (South America)
250L+ (65gal)
10-15 years
Peaceful, social
28-31°C
Omnivore (high-protein pellets, frozen foods)
5.5-7.0
£25-£300+ depending on strain and size
How Many Discus Should You Keep?
Discus are social fish and should ideally be kept in groups.
- A minimum group of 5-6 is recommended
- Larger groups help spread aggression and establish hierarchy
- Tall aquariums with open swimming space work best
Keeping too few discus can lead to:
- Stress and nervous behaviour
- Bullying of weaker fish
- Poor appetite and colouration
They are happiest in stable social groups.
Ideal Tank Conditions for Discus
Providing the right environment is essential for discus health and coloration.
- Tank Setup: Spacious aquarium with calm open swimming space
- Substrate: Bare-bottom, sand, or smooth gravel
- Plants & Decor: Driftwood, vertical décor, and soft planting
- Water Conditions: Warm, soft, stable water with excellent quality
- Filtration & Flow: Strong biological filtration with gentle flow
- Lighting: Moderate lighting
Consistency is more important than chasing exact parameters.
Compatibility with Other Fish
Discus are peaceful but require carefully selected tankmates.
- Good Tankmates: cardinal tetras, rummy-nose tetras, corydoras catfish, peaceful plecos, and small peaceful gouramis
- Avoid: aggressive fish, fin-nippers, and species that prefer cooler water
Tankmates must tolerate the high temperatures discus require.
Are Discus Easy to Care For?
Discus are moderately difficult to care for and better suited to intermediate or experienced aquarists.
They require:
- Excellent water quality
- Warm, stable temperatures
- Regular maintenance
- High-quality feeding routines
They are sensitive to stress and poor conditions.
Discus Price in the UK
In the UK, discus typically cost between £25-£300+ per fish depending on strain, size, and quality.
Prices vary depending on:
- Colour strain and pattern
- Size and age
- Breeder reputation
- Availability
Show-quality discus can be extremely expensive.
Where to Buy Discus in the UK
Discus are available from specialist aquarium shops and experienced breeders.
Sourcing fish locally can:
- Reduce transport stress
- Allow you to inspect health and body shape
- Offer better value
TankMate UK helps connect fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely - without shipping.
Find discus fish for sale near you or list your own using TankMate UK.
Can You Sell Discus?
Yes - discus are commonly bred and sold by specialist hobbyists.
Selling locally is often the best option, as it:
- Minimises stress for the fish
- Avoids the risks of shipping
- Connects you with experienced aquarists
TankMate UK allows you to list fish quickly and find local buyers.
Feeding Discus
Discus require a high-quality, varied diet.
Key Tips
- Feed quality discus pellets or granules
- Supplement with frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and beefheart mixes
- Feed juveniles multiple times daily
- Remove uneaten food promptly to maintain water quality
Good nutrition is essential for growth and colour development.
Common Problems with Discus
Stress and dark coloration, often caused by:
- Poor water quality
- Incorrect temperatures
- Aggressive tankmates
Poor growth, linked to:
- Inadequate feeding
- Overstocking
- Poor maintenance
Disease outbreaks, caused by:
- Stress
- Unstable water conditions
Why Discus Are So Popular
- Stunning colours and patterns
- Elegant swimming behaviour
- Peaceful and intelligent
- Highly prized centrepiece fish
- Huge variety of strains available
When kept correctly, discus create a calm, luxurious display unmatched by most tropical fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
They require more care than most tropical fish but are manageable with experience and stable conditions.
At least 5-6 in a proper group.
Yes, with peaceful fish that tolerate warm water.
At least 250 litres, with larger tanks preferred for groups.
Looking to Buy or Sell Discus Locally?
TankMate UK connects fishkeepers who want to buy, sell, or rehome fish safely within their local area.
Whether you're building a premium discus aquarium or passing fish on to a new home, you can:
- Browse fish available near you
- List your own fish in minutes
- Avoid the risks of shipping
Explore local listings with TankMate UK and find the right fish for your aquarium.