Red discus
📖 Overview
Red discus (Symphysodon discus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cichlidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 12.3 cm. With a trophic level of 2.9, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Red discus is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Red discus is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Deposit several hundred eggs on stones or plants; both parents defend eggs and larvae; larvae feed on a skin mucus during their first few days.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 4.2 - 6.2; dH range: 0 - 1; non-migratory . Tropical; 26°C - 30°C ; 1°S - 3°S South America: Amazon River basin in Brazil, near the mouth of the Negro River, in the lower Abacaxis River, and in the lower Trombetas River.
🌿 Ecology
worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Red discus is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 390 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Red discus has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Heckel Discus · Red Discus · discus |
| 🌍CES | terčovec červený |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | kiekkokala |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Acará bararuá · Acará disco · Acará-disco-comum · Acará-morereé · Disco · Morere · Peixe-disco |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Дискус Хеккеля |
| 🌍UKR | Дискус звичайний |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symphysodon discus willischwartzi | Burgess | 1981 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Red discus.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 6 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Red discus ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.