Discus Fish Tank Size and Mate

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  *Discus are beautiful vertically swimming pancake shaped freshwater tropical fish from the Amazon River. They bring vibrant colors and personality to any home aquarium. Before buying some of these round colorful beauties, you need to know how to properly care for them. Many people ask, what is the best tank size to keep a group of Discus and how many should be kept together? I find Discus grow faster and larger in smaller tanks; 30-to-50-gallon tanks work great, with a population of 6 to 15 Discus fish which helps dilute the cichlid pecking order and restrict excessive calorie burn resulting in faster more even growth. Larger aquariums, 50 gallon or more can be used for larger mature adult Discus measuring 6 inches or more.

Discus are schooling fish, which means they feel most comfortable and less timid in numbers. They will not be as happy in your tank unless they have several other Discus fish to hang out with. Larger groups of Discus also help draw them out of hiding keeping them as a center focal piece in your aquarium. You can mix colors to create a school, as they only see other Discus fish not colors. The bigger the school, the more social, and happy they will be. Larger schools of Discus will also dilute their natural cichlid pecking order, allowing the group of Discus fish to grow evenly. Discus get along well with other non-aggressive Amazonian fishes, like Angels, Tetras, Loaches, Algae eater and Catfish, fish not to put into a Discus fish tank are any aggressive fin nippers, like Tinfoil, Tiger or any other Barbs.

Learn More; Discus Fish Tank Mates