Discus (fish)

This article is about the fish. For other uses, see Discus (disambiguation).

Symphysodon
Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cichliformes
Family: Cichlidae
Tribe: Heroini
Genus: Symphysodon
Heckel, 1840
Type species
Symphysodon discus
Heckel, 1840
Species

See text

Symphysodon (colloquially known as discus or discus fish) is a genus of cichlids native to the Amazon river basin in Brazil. Due to their distinctive shape, calm behavior, many bright colors and patterns, and dedicated parenting techniques, discus are popular as freshwater aquarium fish, and their aquaculture in several countries in Asia (notably Thailand)[1] is a major industry.[2][3][4][5] They are sometimes referred to as pompadour fish.[6][7] The discus fish has attracted a cult following of collectors and has created a multimillion dollar international industry complete with shows, competitions, and reputable online breeders[citation needed].

  1. ^ Tuccinardi, Michael (1 December 2016). "This Obscure Bangkok Market is Home to a Million-Dollar Collection of Tropical Fish. In the market for rare aquarium fish? Head to Thailand". www.AtlasObscura.com. Atlas Obscura. …Discus fish, pre-bagged for a quick sale, occupy a seller's shelves…Each tiny shop or stall usually specializes in a particular breed or category of fish or aquarium—some showcasing colorful but delicate discus and angelfish…
  2. ^ Loiselle, Paul V. (1995). The Cichlid Aquarium. Germany: Tetra Press. ISBN 1-56465-146-0.
  3. ^ Sands D (1994) A fishkeepers guide to Central American cichlids. Tetra Press. Belgium pg 59–60.
  4. ^ Mills D (1993) Aquarium Fish Harper Collins ISBN 0-7322-5012-9
  5. ^ Chong, K.; Ying, T. S.; Foo, J.; Jin, L. J.; Chong, A. (2005-09-12). "Characterisation of proteins in epidermal mucus of discus fish (Symphysodon spp.) during parental phase". Aquaculture. 249 (1–4): 469–476. doi:10.1016/j.aquaculture.2005.02.045.
  6. ^ Discus fish - Page 5 Thomas A. Giovanetti, Matthew M. Vriends - 1991 "It was not until the 1930s and 1940s that aquarium-fish dealers began importing discus into Europe and the United States under the common name "pompadour fish." Discus are cichlids, which often surprises many aquarists."
  7. ^ International Wildlife Encyclopedia Set - Page 2006 Robert Burton, Maurice Burton, 2002 "Popular aquarium fish because of their bright colors and attractive patterns, pompadour fish are actually quite difficult to keep and require frequent water changes. Pictured are a group of red discus, one of the two species of pompadour fish."