Heckel Discus

The Heckel discus is the first described species of the discus genus. Its reddish–brown body is covered with fine wavy blue lines; its main distinguishing feature is the thick, dark vertical bar running right through the middle of the body. The eye bar and tail bar are also distinct. Unlike the common discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus), there are hardly any farm varieties; most fish in the trade are wild-caught and much more sensitive to water parameters.

• At least 300 liters for a group of 5–6; water height of 50 cm or more.
• Very soft water prepared with reverse osmosis water, pH 5–6 and 28–30°C.
• Roots, dried leaves and tannin-darkened water; dim light.
• At least one, preferably two, large water changes a week; values must be kept stable.

Mainly carnivorous. Offer frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and granules made for discus. Newly arrived wild fish may at first accept only frozen food; 2–3 small meals a day are recommended.

Calm, shy and social. A hierarchy forms within the group; dominant individuals may keep weaker ones away from food.

Good companions: cardinal tetras and other blackwater tetras, sterbai corydoras, altum angelfish, otocinclus.

Avoid: fast, greedy fish, aggressive cichlids, species that need hard, alkaline water.