The Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus Pellegrin) is a freshwater fish in the Cichlidae family of cichlids. It is known as an Orange Variant of the Blue Discus, which is also known as the Brown Discus.

The Discus – Orange Variant is a laterally compressed fish, which means that it is vertically thin. It has a round discus-shape. It is patterned in shades of green, red, orange, brown, and blue.

It can grow to 15 centimetres (6 inches) wide. 

It is from the Amazon River in South American countries. It lives in floodplain lakes and rivers. 

It feeds on algae, plant material, and detritus, as well as small insects.

The Discus is generally seen in groups of many dozens of individuals.

Both parents care for their young. They secrete a substance from their skin, which the young fish (called fry) live on for the first four weeks. During the first two weeks, the parents stay near the fry. 

Location of photographs: Tbilisi, Georgia

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM