Zebra discus - Symphysodon sp. (Zebra)

Scientific name: Symphysodon sp. (Zebra)

Common name: Zebra discus

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 13 - 15 cm (5.12 - 5.91 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness: 0 - 8°N (0 - 142.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 27 - 30 °C (80.6 - 86°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Short description

The Zebra discus is a domesticated Symphysodon strain known for clear, vertical “zebra” barring across a round, laterally compressed body. Unlike wild locality forms, Zebra is a selectively bred morph; husbandry is like other domestic discus: warm, pristine water, calm tank mates, and regular large water changes. Keep in groups of 6 for natural social behavior and to prevent bullying of single individuals.

Origin

Domesticated aquarium strain derived from Amazon basin species (Symphysodon spp.; historically S. aequifasciatus & S. haraldi). Wild discus inhabit slow, warm, soft, acidic waters among flooded forests and quiet backwaters.

Food and feeding

Discus are high-protein micropredators. Offer a varied staple of quality discus pellets/granules and fine frozen foods (mysis, blackworms, bloodworms, brine shrimp). Many keepers use beef heart mixes, but reserve as an occasional supplement and maintain rigorous filtration—rich, fatty mixes raise bioload. Feed small portions 2–3× daily; remove uneaten food promptly.

Sexing

External sexing is unreliable. Mature pairs show subtle differences (nuchal profile, vent shape) only close to spawning. Venting during breeding condition is the most dependable method.

Breeding

Pair-bonding substrate spawners. Provide a spawning cone or vertical surface. Parents lay and fan eggs; at hatching the fry feed on the parents’ cutaneous mucus for the first 1–2 weeks. Maintain very stable, warm (≈29–30 °C) water, low flow, and immaculate cleanliness. Move pairs to a dedicated breeding tank for best success.

Lifespan

With excellent care, expect 8–12 years (sometimes longer).

Behavior & compatibility

Generally peaceful but hierarchical; in small numbers dominant fish may suppress subordinates. Choose calm, warm-loving tank mates that won’t outcompete discus at feeding (cardinal tetras, rummy-nose tetras, Corydoras sterbai, small Apistogramma). Avoid fast, nippy, or boisterous species.

Tank requirements

• Group & size: 6 discus; 300 L for a small group (bigger is better).
• Water: warm 27–30 °C; low nitrate; domestic strains tolerate pH ~6.0–7.5 and soft–moderately hard water. Stability beats “chasing numbers”.
• Filtration: strong biofiltration with large, frequent water changes (i.e. 30–50% 2–3× weekly).
• Aquascape: open front for feeding/viewing; gentle flow; tall plants/wood at sides and back; dim to moderate lighting.

Notes on identification

“Symphysodon aequifasciata zebra” is a trade/form name, not a valid species. List as Symphysodon sp. (Zebra strain) when possible to avoid taxonomic confusion.

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk