A history of the discus fish industry in Europe

Discus fish (Symphysodon spp.) first became popular in Europe in the 1950s, when they were first imported from South America. However, it was not until the 1970s that discus fish breeding began to take off in Europe.

One of the key figures in the history of discus fish cultivation in Europe was a German breeder named Eduard Schmidt-Focke. Schmidt-Focke was one of the first European breeders to successfully breed discus fish in captivity, and he is credited with developing some of the early breeding techniques that are still used by breeders today.

In the 1980s, discus fish breeding became increasingly popular in Europe, and many new color strains were developed by breeders across the continent. Today, European-bred discus fish are highly regarded by aquarium hobbyists all over the world, and many consider them to be among the highest-quality discus available.

In addition to breeding discus fish, Europe has also played a significant role in the development of discus fish genetics and breeding standards. The Discus Championship, an annual event held in Germany, is one of the largest and most prestigious discus fish competitions in the world, and it attracts breeders from all over Europe and beyond.

Overall, Europe has been a significant player in the history of discus fish cultivation, and its breeders and hobbyists continue to play an important role in the ongoing development and refinement of this beloved aquarium species.