How to Buy Discus Fish- Seven Tips to Consider

No matter what your skill level, you'll always want to carefully select your discus fish. Too many times well intentioned discus fish lovers will purchase unhealthy discus in hopes of nurturing them back to tip-top shape. Occasionally this may be the end result but often the fish end up dying within a few days, even when cared for by experienced discus keepers.

Try to avoid this unpleasant scenario by only purchasing healthy active discus fish. Compared to other tropical fish, discus can be a little expensive. Consider the fact that discus are often kept in groups of about six and you'll quickly see how this can become a costly hobby if you don't choose your discus carefully.

By following the seven tips below when you buy discus fish, you'll be on your way to a healthy happy discus fish community:

Coloring- When it comes to buying discus, feel free to buy whatever color pleases your eye. However, if buying small discus called "fry", the fish should display little if any coloring at all. Young fry that are already spectacularly colored often have been fed hormone enhanced food. This practice is not recommended and the fry often will not develop properly as adults.

Discus Breeder vs. Pet Shop- While many discus breeders are very knowledgeable and experienced, your main concern should be trust. Whether you decide to buy discus fish from an experienced breeder or your local pet store, choose a seller who is honest and knowledgeable. If you are new to discuss keeping, you'll especially want a dealer who'll answer your questions and concerns once you get the fish home.

How Many Discus?- Discus fish are very social in groups. While they prefer a little privacy or seclusion when mating, discus generally like to live in groups. Most experienced discus fish owners will tell you to keep a minimum of six discus in your tank. By providing this group environment, you are allowing the discuss to live in an environment similar to the wild.

Overall Appearance- Although shaped like a discus, your fish still need to maintain a rounded shape. Discus that appear too thin or flat shaped may be malnourished. You'll also want to check the fish's eyes. A discus bearing eyes that appear large in proportion to the body may be a symptom of stunted growth. If so, your discus will not develop naturally.

Discus Fish Size- If you plan on purchasing fry, be sure the fish are at least an inch in diameter. Healthy fry that have reached this size should do well in the right environment. If buying adult discus fish, be sure to carefully inspect the fish first to ensure they are active and have developed properly.

Water Temperature- This is one of the most important factors in keeping discus fish. They require a warmer water temperature than most fish. When the water is not an adequate temperature, disease and illness are almost inevitable.

Wild or Captive Bred- For newbies wanting to buy discus fish, captive bred are usually the best choice. These fish are already accustomed to life in an aquarium and the seller can inform you of what water temp the discus have been kept in. There are quality wild discus available but it takes an experienced discus owner to examine the fish's development and behavior. Once advantage to wild discus is their beautiful coloring and pattern cannot be duplicated, though captive breeding has introduced some lively eye-catching fish.