Are discus fish difficult to keep?

What is the function of the dorsal fin on a discus?

In the wild, these serve as battle armor to protect his female mate and fend off any intruders and other male discus fish. The dorsal fin of the male is also slightly more pointed than that of the female’s, which is more rounded in shape.

Do discus fish need a bigger tank?

Take into consideration that the bigger the aquarium tank means the more maintenance and water amount changes, nevertheless, the bigger the tank the happier Discus fishes are and the more beautiful the tank look. NOTE: The Discus fish are schooling fishes but they need to be very spaced too.

What does a heckle discus fish look like?

The heckle discus has more of a round shape than any other discus, they have greenish-blue veins that run through their bodies, and most of the time the color of the fish is the same as the color of their fins, however, the caudal fin and pectoral fin may be vibrant.

Can discus and guppies live in the same tank?

Guppies and Discus are both equally attractive creatures. However, that shouldn’t automatically compel you to place them in the same tank. Admittedly, it has been done on numerous occasions. But if you are dealing with one or both fish for the first time, you must take some factors into account. You need to have a tank of at least 50 gallons.

Can discus fish live with cichlids?

Yes, and No, Discus is part of the big cichlids family that consists of more than 1300 species, some of those species are compatible with Discus and the majority are not. NOTE: You may check my other article 17 Best Discus Tank Mates for further details.

Can angelfish live with discus fish?

Yes, Angelfish can live with Discus fish in the same tank and this due to the fact that both species require similar water conditions and environment, however, many other aquarists states that angelfish shouldn’t live with Discus as sometimes they become aggressive with other fish in the tank, so if you like to have them both, simply put them to…

How do biologists use dorsal fin patterns to identify individuals?

Wildlife biologists often use the distinctive nicks and wear patterns which develop on the dorsal fins of large cetaceans to identify individuals in the field. The bony or cartilaginous bones that support the base of the dorsal fin in fish are called pterygiophores .

What is the function of the basals and radials in a fish?

The basals are located at the base of the dorsal fin, and are closest to the body. The radials extend outward from the body to support the rest of the fin. These elements serve as attachment sites for epaxial muscles.

What is the function of the dorsal fin in a sunfish?

The main purpose of the dorsal fin is to stabilize the animal against rolling and to assist in sudden turns. Some species have further adapted their dorsal fins to other uses. The sunfish uses the dorsal fin (and the anal fin) for propulsion.

What fish has a dorsal fin on the back?

A dorsal fin is a fin located on the back of most marine and freshwater vertebrates such as fishes, cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), and the (extinct) ichthyosaur. Most species have only one dorsal fin, but some have two or three. Also, what fish has no dorsal fin?

How to spot a heckle discus fish?

You can easily spot out a heckle discus from a variety of discus fishes because they have a special quality that distinguishes them which is three bold vertical vars – one of these bars is running from the eye, another through the caudal fin, while the last one which is the most noticeable is the one at the middle of its side.

How long can discus fish live without water changes?

However, for some species, such as the Discus fish, clean water plays a major role in its overall health. You can get away without making water changes for a couple of weeks in a goldfish tank, but not in a discus tank. At least, not without certain consequences. However, I am not advocating to do that.

What is the function of the dorsal fin in fish?

This type of fin is located on the top or back of the fish which help the fish in quick turns or stops. It also helps the fish against rolling. In fish, there are three distinct dorsal fins such as proximal, central or middle, and distal dorsal fins. Some fish have two dorsal fins where the central and distal fins are combined together.

What is the function of the paired fins?

Paired fins are arranged in pairs, like human arms and legs. The pelvic and pectoral fins are both paired fins. (Table 4.5). Table 4.5. Fish form and function: dorsal fin features Spiny and soft-rayed dorsal fin. Median fins, like the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, can function like the keel of a boat and aid in stabilization (Fig. 4.22 A).

How long does it take for discus to change color?

Discus fish is able to change its color to adapt to its environment. It takes an average of 6 years for discus to reach its full pigmentation but they could reach their full color at the age of 2.

Can you keep guppies with discus fish?

No, it’s not advised to keep Guppies with Discus fish, the reason because Discus fish thrive in temperatures ranging from 82 to 86 degrees F. They prefer warmer conditions.

Can discus fish live with gourami?

Yes, Discus fish can live with Gourami in the same tank, the Discus requires a little more maintenance than the Gourami and some of its other preferred tank mates. NOTE: Gourami is generally a peaceful fish unless its breeding time, then it may get feisty and territorial.

Can discus fish live with goldfish?

No, Discus shouldn’t live with Goldfish in the same tank, goldfish are a cold water/temperate fish for a start off, they produce huge amounts of waste and can be very rambunctious and are not suitable tank mates for delicate fish Discus.

Can you keep shrimp with discus?

Can You Keep Shrimp With Discus? No, Discus fish will eat Shrimps eventually, however, partly dwarf shrimp can be socialized with Discus fish when there are enough hiding places for the shrimp provided, while their number should be large enough, because certainly every now and then one can and will be eaten by the Discus.

What is the function of caudal fin in fish?

This type of fin produces a lift force on the tail and keeps the head down during swimming, a feature quite suitable for bottom living fishes. In flying fishes lower lobe of the caudal fin is highly enlarged, so that it produces a downward force on the tail.

What fish have spines on their dorsal fins?

For example, both the spiny dogfish and the Port Jackson shark have spines in their dorsal fins which are capable of secreting venom. Billfish have prominent dorsal fins. Like tuna, mackerel and other scombroids, billfish streamline themselves by retracting their dorsal fins into a groove in their body when they swim.

How many dorsal fins does a fish have?

Most species have only one dorsal fin, but some have two or three. Wildlife biologists often use the distinctive nicks and wear patterns which develop on the dorsal fins of large cetaceans to identify individuals in the field.

What colour eyes do discus have?

However, most Discus available today are domestically-bred mutations and the eye can be yellow/red/albino and so on. Regardless of the colour, always pick fish that have an eye proportional to body size.

What is a Heckel discus?

The Heckel Discus is the most distinctive and easily recognized of the discus cichlids! The Heckel Discus Symphysodon discus, also known as the Pompadour Fish and the Pineapple Fish, is an elegant, graceful cichlid.

How do you care for a Heckel discus fish?

Heckel Discus are peaceful, shy cichlids. They do best in pairs or groups of pairs and should not be kept singly. This species comes from slightly warmer water than the other discus, though like the others they prefer a lightly planted aquarium with subdued lighting. Provide a soft substrate with some roots or rocks.