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.

(more…)