Wild Green Discus

The Wild Green Discus is the most colourful of the wild Symphysodon aequifasciatus subspecies. Its yellow-green to olive-green body base — often shot through with iridescent highlights — combined with vivid red-orange eye rings and bold blue-green dorsal striping creates a naturally spectacular fish that domestic strains attempt to improve upon.

Green discus are found in the warmer, clearer waters of the lower Amazon and its tributaries, particularly around Santarém, Manaus, and the Lago region. Their natural habitat tends toward slightly less extreme acidity than pure blackwater Heckel territory, though they still require soft, warm, acidic conditions.

For hobbyists seeking authentic Amazon experience with wild discus, the Green Discus offers a relatively accessible starting point — more adaptable than the Heckel while still delivering the full wild discus experience.

Water: 27-30°C, pH 5.5-7.0, soft (0-6 dGH), KH 0-3; tannin-stained water preferred for colour. Tank: Minimum 300 L, Amazon biotope with driftwood, broad-leaf plants, subdued warm lighting. Feeding: Frozen bloodworm, beefheart, live artemia, quality carnivore pellets after acclimatisation. Breeding: Open spawner on broad leaves or driftwood; biparental; requires soft acidic water for triggering. Compatibility: Wild discus groupings or with small peaceful Amazonian tetras and pencilfish.