Spotted Strawberry Discus

Spotted Strawberry Discus

Description of the Spotted Strawberry Discus
The Spotted Strawberry Discus is commonly known as 'The King of the Cichlids' due to its size and appearance. Its name is derived from its body shape, it is circular and laterally compressed, appearing to resemble a throwing Discus.

Profile of the Spotted Strawberry Discus
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Spotted Strawberry Discus species.

• Size: 20 to 25cm

• Fish Tank conditions: Temp: 25 to 29 Degrees. PH 6.0 to 6.5

• Diet / Feeding: Brine Shrimp, Bloodworms

• Temperament: Good Community Fish

• Habitat: Lakes and Rivers, Amazon River Basin, South America

• Behaviour: Peaceful, need a large tank

• Range: Amazon Region, South America

Scientific Classification of the Spotted Strawberry Discus
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Symphysodon aequifasciatus

• Popular Name: Spotted Strawberry Discus

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Cichlidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Spotted Strawberry Discus?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Spotted Strawberry Discus slimy?
Spotted Strawberry Discus secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Spotted Strawberry Discus to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. The Discus fish relies on the parents slime to feed their young fry. It is vital that the parents are not removed from the tank or the young Discus fry will not survive.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Spotted Strawberry Discus have gills?
Gills enable the Spotted Strawberry Discus to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Spotted Strawberry Discus have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Spotted Strawberry Discus has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Spotted Strawberry Discus has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Spotted Strawberry Discus has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Spotted Strawberry Discus has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Spotted Strawberry Discus