Green Discus | Symphysodon aequifaciatus aequifaciatus
Cichlids / South America / Green Discus
Profile: Green Discus
Symphysodon aequifaciatus aequifaciatus Synonyms: None
Physical description: The disc-shaped body has nine dark vertical bands which fade with age. The head and upper parts of the body are veined with turquoise to blue markings. The body color is yellowish-brown and the lower parts of the body are red spotted. The anal and dorsal fins are turquoise with red markings.
Size/Length: To 6" (15 cm)
Similar species: Other Discus species- S. aequifaciatus axelrodi , S. aequifaciatus haraldi , and S. discus
Habitat: South America; found in the Santar"m area, Lake Tef", and the Purus and Tef" rivers
S: bottom, middle
Aquarium: The tank should be at least 40" (101 cm) long and 20" (50 cm) tall with a capacity exceeding 45 gallons (170 L). See the general description of discus for more requirements.
Water chemistry: pH 5-7 (6.5), 0-5 dH (3), 79-88°F (26-31°C)
Social behavior: A calm peaceful fish, see the general of Discus for more information.
Suggested companions: See Discus description.
FOOD: Live: insect larvae; mosquito larvae, bloodworms; aquatic insects; flying insects; crustaceans; Daphnia , Cyclops, Artemia , Brine Shrimp; carefully washed Tubifex worms; pellets; formulated Discus foods.
Sexual differences: The distinguishing of the male and female is difficult. Adult males may develop a small lump on their foreheads, but this difference is not always reliable. During the spawning season, the shape of the genital papillae serves as the best difference. It is round in female and pointed in males, although this difference is also difficult to detect.
Breeding techniques: Brown Discus breed like other discus species. See the general description of discus.
Breeding potential: 8. Breeding of the Green Discus is, like all discus, considered difficult.
Remarks: There are many different color variations of the Green Discus. "Royal Green" Discus have dark vertical bands, while the "Peruvian Green" variation has more red spots than other variants. A popular variation, "Tef" Green" has distinct green vertical stripes.
Difficulty of care: 7. The Green Discus requires a varied diet that includes live/frozen foods. The water must be well-maintained and monitored as this species is sensitive to water pollutants.