Discus (Symphysodon)

Subject: Discus (Symphysodon) 9/17/2009, 12:12 pm

Discus belong to the genus Symphysodon, which currently includes three species: The common discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus), the Heckel discus (Symphysodon discus), and a new species which has been named Symphysodon tarzoo.

Some info I found that was cool:
Discus and how their species have and care for their larvae. As for most cichlids, brood care is highly developed with both the parents caring for the young. Additionally, adult discus produce a secretion through their skin, which the larvae live off during their first few days.

Some other Info just to kick start the Discus discussion:

The genus name Symphysodon comes from the Greek words sym (syn) meaning together and physis meaning growth - symphysis meaning grown together - and odont meaning tooth. The name refers to the few teeth which are located over the area where the two jaw halves meet (the symphysis).
- The species name aequifasciatus comes from the Latin word aequus meaning equal and fascia meaning band - in reference to the vertical bands on the body.
- The common name Discus is derived from the Greek noun discos meaning discus - a circular disk for throwing in athletic competition - referring to the shape of the body.
- Symphysodon aequifasciatus was first described by Pellegrin in 1904 as Symphysodon discus aequifasciata. Symphysodon aequifasciatus became valid in 1986.
~In 1840, when Jacob Heckel classified 9 new genera, Symphysodon discus was among them. In 1904 Jacques Pellegrin described the second species, Symphosydon aequifasciata.
~In 1960 Leonard P Schultz revised the genus and set up two new subspecies S. a. axelrodi and S. a. haraldi, with the third subspecies being S. a. aequifasciatus.

- The genus Symphysodon was first introduced in the 1920's and are now regarded as one of the most beautiful of all aquarium fish.
- In Southeast Asia, Discus are raised in soft to medium hard, alkaline water (3-9 dH, pH 7.0-8.0) with temperatures ranging from 27-33°C.
- Discus are considered by many hobbyists to be the ultimate in freshwater fishes. Called the "King of the Aquarium," there is a mystique about Discus that goes beyond their good looks and fascinating behaviour.
- Wild-caught Discus are caught at night by using strong light that mesmerises the fish. The area is then circled with netting which is slowly drawn closer, with all obstructions such as wood being removed. Some species of Discus are now considered endangered in some areas.
- The first blue Discus were discovered by Indian-researcher and fishlover Harald Schultz after whom the fish is named. The cultivated fish from the Rio Purus laid the foundation for the Turquoise Discus in the years between 1960 and 1970, with the first fry being bred by E. Schmidt-Focke from fish caught by Harald Schultz.
- This most exported Discus, the Brown Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus axelrodi), was named after Herbert R Axelrod, US publisher of aquarium and other pet literature and the collector of the type species.

And yes I did copy that from another site. I Just thought it was some cool info that I should share.

Guest

kory did the site have a pic?

Guest

Subject: Re: Discus (Symphysodon) 11/8/2009, 2:34 pm

We have one pic of discus. Where is that pic? Can you move it to here?

» My 90g discus
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