Wild Brown Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)

Symphysodon aequifasciatus in its wild-caught Brown form represents the ancestral type from which many European captive strains were originally developed. Its natural, understated patterning and authentic behaviour hold a special fascination for biotope purists and discus historians in Belgium and the Netherlands. More robust than other wild discus forms, it still demands dedicated Amazonian blackwater husbandry to maintain its natural vitality and condition.

Maintain in groups of 5 or more in a minimum 250 L Amazonian biotope: very soft water (GH 0–5), pH 5.5–6.8, temperature 27–30°C, tannin-stained water using driftwood and dried leaves. Perform 25–30% water changes every 1–2 days. Feed high-quality beef heart mix, frozen bloodworms, and discus pellets. Avoid all sharp swings in temperature, pH, or hardness. Wild specimens may initially refuse dry food — begin with frozen bloodworms.