Translations:AY Honors/Fishes/Answer Key/9/en

Discus

Symphysodon spp.

Discus (Symphysodon spp.)

Where found: Discus (Symphysodon spp.) are a genus of three species of freshwater cichlid fishes native to the Amazon River basin

Description: Like cichlids from the genus Pterophyllum, all Symphysodon species have a laterally compressed body shape. In contrast to Pterophyllum, however, extended finnage is absent giving Symphysodon a more rounded shape. It is this body shape from which their common name, “discus”, is derived. The sides of the fish are frequently patterned in shades of green, red, brown, and blue. The height and length of the grown fish are both about 20–25 cm.

Reproduction: Another characteristic of Symphysodon species is the way they 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, off which the larvae live during their first few days. This behaviour has also been observed for Uaru species.