Discus fish is one of three species in the freshwater cichlid family.

They are native to the Amazon River - and a very popular aquarium fish - though they can be rather difficult and demanding.

The Discus fish has been named from their body shape, which is laterally compressed, and round due to them having small finns.

They appear in a multitude of colours and patterns, which is one reason why they are popular with people keeping aquarium fish.

The adult Discus will grow to a length and height of about 20-25 cm (8-10 inches)

Once you decide that keeping Discus Fish is for you - the very first thing you need to consider is - "What size aquarium do I need?"

Obviously you need to stick to what you can afford, and the amount of space you have available, but remember that the aquarium you get is going to be home to your Discus Fish, so it has to meet certain standards.

Since you're likely to want to put your Discus Fish on display, most Discus Experts would recommend a fish tank no smaller than 120cm X 40cm X 50cm, or approximately 50 gallons in volume. Due to their body shape, Discus Fish tends to like deep tanks better. Also, to keep stable water conditions, you need an aquarium that will hold a lot of water.

Discus Fish are naturally rather shy, so you should keep them away from busy and noisy areas. Placing a Discus Fish tank next to a doorway is a big mistake. Also, their tank should be kept away from direct sunlight and radiators(as should all fishtanks), to avoid excess heat and algae.

Last, but not least, do place the Discus Fish tank at a good height. Discus Fish doesn't like overhead movement - and will get stressed if it occurs.

So, other than Discus Fish, what should you put in your tank?

Putting some fine gravel in the bottom would be a good start.

If you want plants in your aquarium you can use both live plants, silk plants or plastic plants, according to your personal preference - but nothing really beats the real thing.

Other items you may want to add to your fishtank, to give it that all natural feel, would be rocks and driftwood. Both are quite welcome additions to a Discus Fish tank, as they're often present in the discus' native waters, providing them with shelter.

Gimmics like "No Fishing" signs and sunken ships or plastic figurines doesn't have place in a discus fishtank.

The decor should be kept to a minimum, as it wil serve the fish tank best both functionally and aesthetically.

Find more advice and tips on how to make a perfect home for your Discus Fish in Discus Fish Secrets. Download your copy today!

On the subject of what other fish to add to your Discus Fish Aqaurium, there's about as many opinions as there's Discus Fish keepers, though a few species are commonly agreed to as good companions for Discus Fish.

The purpose of this article is not to enter into these discussions, but to give you a few guidelines to help you do your own research.

First and foremost - if you're keeping Discus Fish - your fish tank is a Discus Fish tank. What does that mean? It means that you should focus on providing the optimal conditions for your Discus Fish, and make sure that any other fish introduced to your tank will thrive in those conditions.

Secondly, Discus Fish can be rather shy, and they do NOT like bullying. What this means is that you shouldn't introduce bigger sized fish (over 6") to your Discus Fish tank. Also - introducing aggressive species to your tank is a mistake you'd rather not make.

Thirdly, Discus Fish are slow eaters, and shouldn't be mixed with fast eating fish that will beat them to their food. Also - fish that are gracious by nature - but enter into a frenzy at feeding time will not make great mates for the Discus Fish.

Below is a list of fish that by many Discus Fish Keepers are considered to be suitable company:

Cardinal Tetras
Red Nosed Tetras
Lemon Tetras
Congo Tetras
Clown Loach
Rams
Bristlenose Pleco
Clown Pleco

In all cases - if and when you decide to add other species to your Discus Fish tank - make sure you do your research properly, and that you keep the conditions in your aqarium perfect for Discus Fish.

Find more advice and tips on good tank mates for Discus Fish in Discus Fish Secrets. Download your copy today!