Heckel Discus

1 Heckel Discus Species Profile

The Heckel Discus is often confused with the common Discus, and is very rare in the market and very expensive. Because it is difficult to keep, it is suitable for experienced aquarists.

Binomial: Symphysodon discus

Family: Cichlidae

Origin: blackwater region of the central Amazon River, South America

Adult length: 15 to 20 cm

Water temperature: 20 to 28 C

Hardness: below 5 dH

pH: 4.2 to 6.8

Care level: Difficult

2 Heckel Discus Appearance

The Heckel Discus can be distinguished from the common Discus by its appearance fairly easily; it is very difficult to keep, so it is not recommended for beginners without experience—so what features make it especially attractive?

The most notable feature of the Heckel Discus is the especially thick and black fifth dark vertical band in the center of the body, usually called the Heckel Bar or fifth bar. Discus are distinguished into two species by the presence or absence of this Heckel Bar. The body has many fine horizontal stripes, like water ripples, and the color varies by origin from gray-blue and silver-blue to turquoise (green-blue). The eyes of this discus are mostly dark brown to dark orange-red. In general, the Heckel is more sensitive and timid.

3 Heckel Discus Habitat and Care

The Heckel Discus is very difficult to keep and is rarely seen even in aquarium stores, so if you want to keep it artificially you must pay attention to its husbandry requirements.

The Heckel Discus also has high water-quality demands; it needs very soft, very acidic water and a relatively low temperature. In nature its pH is often between 3.2 and 4.5, rising to 5 only in the rainy season—you can see how acidic that is. The Blue-faced Heckel lives in an even more acidic environment, with the lowest pH, generally around 4. It is recommended to keep the Heckel Discus alone, to avoid accidental fighting that could injure or kill it.

4 Heckel Discus Feeding

Because the Heckel Discus is very rare, its price is very high, and because it is difficult to keep, aquarists must pay attention to proper methods.

When keeping the Heckel Discus, besides the environment and water quality, also pay attention to feeding. In nature, the wild Discus feeds mainly on insects, river shrimp, or the eggs of other fish, and even some plants. So in captivity, feeding some plant-based food appropriately will better bring out the beauty of the discus.