Discus tank mates

✓ Compatible (good tank mates)

These species coexist well with the Discus in an appropriately-sized tank.

• ✓
  Cardinal tetras - Same parameters, peaceful schooler
• ✓
  Sterbai corydoras - Tolerates discus warm water (84F)
• ✓
  German Blue Ram - Same soft acidic water
• ✓
  Hatchetfish - Top-water dweller, peaceful
• ✓
  Bristlenose pleco - Algae cleanup, won't suck on discus slime

⚠ Caution (compatible with management)

Workable pairings if the tank is large enough or the introduction is staged correctly.

• ⚠
  Angelfish - Peaceful but will out-compete for food
• ⚠
  Apistogramma - Cichlid territorial behavior
• ⚠
  Plecostomus (large) - Will suck on discus slime coat - use bristlenose only

✕ Avoid (incompatible tank mates)

Don't combine these with the Discus. Outcome is usually death of one species or chronic stress.

• ✕
  Tiger barbs - Fin-nip discus to death
• ✕
  Most cichlids (oscars, jewels, severums) - Bullies
• ✕
  Fast tetras (serpaes, black skirts) - Out-compete for food
• ✕
  Cool-water fish (goldfish, white clouds) - Wrong temp

Stocking notes

Discus need 84-86F warm soft acidic water (pH 6.0-7.0). Tank mates have to tolerate the same conditions. Most freshwater fish prefer cooler water (76-80F). The classic discus tank is 6-8 discus + cardinal tetras + sterbai corys + bristlenose pleco - all sharing the warm, soft, acidic envelope.

Related compatibility guides

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