A Few Discus Purchasing Suggestions

In this article, we’ll first show you what to look and what to avoid when choosing discus. Subsequently, we’ll describe what quantity, age, and size of discus to purchase. Lastly, we’ll give you some tips on how to help your new discus transition to their new home. 

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE BEST DISCUS?

What discus characteristics should I avoid?

Here are some things to avoid when you are picking out your fish: 

• Clamped fins
• Dark body coloration
• Thin in the forehead region 
• Sunken stomach 
• Always hiding in a corner 

What discus characteristics should I seek?

Things to look for when you are picking out your fish include: 

• Bright eyes 
• Energy 
• Healthy eating habits 

Red Snakeskin Discus

WHY SHOULD I BUY A GROUP OF DISCUS?

When you are getting started, you’ll want to purchase several discus in a group. Group buying is important for a couple of reasons. First, discus are social creatures who prefer to be in groups. Second, it is possible that one or two of your new fish will not live. If they all live, that is great! However, you should buy a group of discus so that, just in case some don’t survive, you will still have enough fish for your aquarium, and they will still be in a group. Four is the minimum number of fish to buy, but five or six would be better. Additionally, group buying makes it easier for you to eventually breed discus.

Checkerboard Red Panda Discus

WHAT AGE AND SIZE OF DISCUS SHOULD I PURCHASE?

You want to find young fish that are healthy. Baby fish are very susceptible to disease, while older, adult fish sometimes don’t acclimate to a new environment well. If you start with a group of four or five small fish (around two inches) or three or four medium (around three or four inches), you are more likely to be successful.

Ocean Green Discus

HOW CAN I HELP MY NEW DISCUS TO ADJUST TO MY AQUARIUM?

Adjust your tank’s acidity.

Regardless of how you obtain your fish, you will want to compare the pH of the water they are coming from with the pH of your water. Discus adjust to higher pH levels more easily than lower levels. If your pH level is very different from the store’s pH level (.5 or more), you will want to adjust the pH in your tank before bringing home your new fish.  

Give your discus time. 

As with any natural process, adjusting your discus to its new aquarium will take time. Discus are sensitive and while they usually acclimate to their new home in a few days, the process may take a little longer. If they do not appear stressed, give them the time they need to relax and acclimate to their new home. With discus, patience really is a virtue.  

With the suggestions listed above, you can find a healthy discus that will acclimate well to its new home. Your discus will enjoy its new home, and you will enjoy your new discus!

Schmidt-Focke Striated Turquoise Discus

QUESTIONS

• Which discus species are most fascinating to you?  
• When you purchase a new discus, what characteristics are important to you?
• How many discus will you purchase?
• How will you make sure that your new discus has a pleasant transition to its new home? 
• To learn more about how to take care of your new discus, what other Learning Center articles do you want to read?