About Wild Discus

Wild Discus first appeared in the aquarium hobby in the 1920’s, and even now despite selective breeding programs and the large number of Discus fish bred by hobbyists, they are still very much in demand. Though difficult to care for, Wild Discus are a rarity that will usually become the centerpiece of collectors show tanks. In their natural environment, Wild Discus fish are widely found in calm parts of small, blackwater rivers, lakes and deep pools throughout the Amazon River basin. Wild Discus prefer to stay in small groups around submerged decaying trees, vegetation and aquatic grasses. The water is usually very clean with little or no pollutants, acidic (6.0-6.5 pH), very soft (0-3 dH) and warm with a temperature not usually over 78°F (25°C) degrees.

Wild Discus are caught in the Amazon River basin at night by using a strong light to mesmerize the fish, the area is then encircled with netting and slowly drawn closer, with all obstructions such as wood being removed. Some species of Wild Discus are now considered endangered in some areas of the Amazon River basin.

Wild Discus Interview

Q: What kinds of Wild Discus did you encounter in the Amazon River?

I never found any Wild Discus in the Amazon itself, but rather in the tributaries that feed into it. In Peru, they are only found south of Iquitos, and there is considerable evidence that they were introduced into the area from a defunct wholesale operation that was flooded out.

I’ve only collected true Heckel Discus in the Rio Negro, but there is a beautiful hybrid that was found in the Rio Madeira. The body ranges from gold to red and the center bar is purple. When I visited Turky’s Aquarium in Manaus, Brazil I was absolutely astounded by the variety of Wild Discus, including a many different strains of Royal Discus.

Wild Discus varieties found in the United States are usually mislabeled, vastly due to the fact that fishermen lie over where the fish are caught. For example, I found Cabeza Azul Heckel Discus about thirty miles up the Rio Negro — two hundred miles from where they are said to come from.

Buying Wild Discus

Q: With that said, what advise do you have for buying Wild Discus?

Before buying Wild Discus of your own, make sure they are in good shape, as they are quite delicate fish and unhealthy Wild Discus may not be able to successfully adapt to a new environment. Issues such as water filtration and the acclimation of the Wild Discus are essential, particularly since it may cost you a small fortune. Furthermore, it is a good idea to get all the available information on the Wild Discus you are buying, such as the origin and means of transportation when possible. Thus, I would advise to get Wild Discus from a reputable seller.

Wild Discus Tank

Keeping Wild Discus

Q: How would you suggest keeping Wild Discus?

Wild Discus should be kept differently than tank raised fish, I would not keep them together. While a bare bottom tank is alright, sand is much better. Water temperature should be around 80 to 84°F (27-29°C), no hotter unless they are sick. Plenty of water movement, but no bubbles. They do not like bubbles, it makes them very nervous, as freshwater Dolphins make bubbles. From my experience, Wild Discus in tanks with bubbles seem frightened for weeks.

Power filters are fine, some seem to think they do not like water current, but there is always current where the Wild Discus frequent. You won’t find them in hot still waters, they are in waters five feet deeper or more, in cool shades areas with lots of oxygen, living among fallen tree branches. I’ve seen them forty feet down in clean water rivers, but below fifteen feet in blackwater rivers it gets rather dark, so I’m unsure about the lower levels there.

Also, make large water changes, at least 65% each time, as nitrates are poison to wild fish. Use aged water, aerated for at least 24 hours, and rainwater whenever possible. RO water (reverse osmosis) is good, distilled water is acceptable. Don’t try to keep them in hard water, as they will die rather quickly. Peat moss is a good way to soften the water, I boil mine first, then squeeze out the water, this leeches out any chemicals that might be present. Place the peat into a nylon filter bag and into the filter, nylon stockings will also work, boil them first. The peat will removes undesirable compounds from the water, reduce the carbonate hardness and acidify your water. It will also turn the water a tea brown color, don’t be alarmed, Wild Discus prefer this as it simulates their natural environment.

Wild Discus Diet

Q: What sort of diet would you feed Wild Discus?

While diving among them I often observed Wild Discus grazing on the biofilm that grows in the Amazon River basin. But for those intending on keeping Wild Discus, I would suggest lots of beefheart, white worms, brine shrimp (frozen adult and live baby), bloodworms, daphnia, scallop and banana. Feed them sparingly, often, and vacuum up what they don’t eat.

If you want further information on Discus fish breeding and care you can go to our Discus fish article.