{"product_id":"leopard-discus-symphysodon-sp-leopard","title":"Leopard Discus | Symphysodon sp. 'Leopard'","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Leopard Discus scatters bold red rosettes over a pale, luminous body — striking and endlessly popular. Discus are the \"king of the aquarium\": serene, disc-shaped and stately, growing to a broad 15–20 cm. They demand warm, soft, spotlessly clean water and are best kept in a group, making them a rewarding centrepiece for the committed keeper.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDiscus (\u003cem\u003eSymphysodon\u003c\/em\u003e) come from the slow, warm blackwater tributaries and flooded forests of the Amazon basin in South America. They shelter among submerged roots and branches in very soft, acidic, tannin-stained water that stays warm year-round.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA tall, round, laterally compressed body that gives the fish its \"disc\" shape. This strain shows bright red spotting and rosette patterning over a light base. Colour and pattern intensify as the fish matures in stable, high-quality water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeaceful but demanding, and a shy shoaling species best kept in a group of six or more to spread minor pecking-order squabbles. They are slow, deliberate feeders and do best with calm tankmates that won't outcompete them or foul the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEssentially a carnivore. Feed a base of quality discus pellets and flakes plus frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis and specialist beef-heart–based discus foods. Feed little and often, and keep on top of the resulting waste with water changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe demanding part: warm water at 28–30 °C, soft and acidic, and immaculately clean. Large, frequent water changes (30–50%, two to three times weekly) are the norm. A tall tank, gentle flow, subdued lighting and stable parameters are essential. Not a beginner's fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn open substrate spawner and a devoted parent. Pairs lay eggs on a vertical surface (a cone or broad leaf) and the free-swimming fry feed on a mucus secreted from the parents' flanks — a remarkable sight. Very soft, warm, clean water is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSymphysodon sp. 'Leopard'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLeopard Discus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmazon basin, South America (captive-bred strain)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 15–20 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–15 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful but demanding; shoaling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdvanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e200 litres (group)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e300 litres or more\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore (frozen and prepared discus foods)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e28–30 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.0–7.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1–8 dGH (soft)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdvanced keepers; warm, soft-water show tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes — plant safe (choose warmth-tolerant plants)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCalm, warmth-loving companions: cardinal and rummynose tetras, small peaceful Corydoras (e.g. sterbai, which tolerate the heat), and other discus. Keep the community small and serene.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBoisterous or nippy fish, fast feeders, coldwater species, and anything that dislikes 28–30 °C. Avoid aggressive cichlids and large messy tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232834076963,"sku":"AA3644","price":90.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232834109731,"sku":"AA3644-M","price":100.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232834142499,"sku":"AA3644-L","price":115.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/leopard-discus-10266498105635-sa.webp?v=1790318149","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/leopard-discus-symphysodon-sp-leopard","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}