wow . . . .

[ScottishFish]

Saw a full size discus today, like a maxed out one . . . . Wow they get big, biggest I've ever seen, it was at least 11inch high and around 9inch nose to tail. I can now appreciate how people can devote such time, money and effort to them

Just thought I'd share

[mojosodope]

I remember the first time I saw a fully grown one, couldn't believe how beautiful they are. The Stendker bred ones can get exceptionally large, those germans have it figured out!

[Indian Woods Angels]

No picture to blow my mind? uhhhhh?

[Cliff]

LOL, + 1 to the above

There's a guy here in twon that breeds discus. I saw his fish room once and I was amzed at some of the colors and how big some of them were. Really cool looking fish.

[ScottishFish]

I didn't have my camera this fish was dinner plate size!! It was a new lfs which I will definately be going back to.

[Cermet]

Yes, discus fish with their color's (or is that colour's?), shape, and if given the opportunity - large size (most often wilds are the size you are seeing) all add up to these fish being very impressive; however, that is not all. They are rather intelligent for fish and will recognize the owner rather fast and get very friendly with the person who feeds them most often. I've even watched them watch TV ... I'm sure it is just the motion but still fun.

As laid back and such friendly fish, they are special in a lot of ways. Their water requirements are really rather simple - just keep it clean (zero to near zero nitrates - all else follows that) and a high quality diet. Really, rather simple fish to keep (unless interested in breeding; there the water issue does require soft, and lower pH for success.)

Are they for everyone? - no; tank size alone restricts who can keep them and that is really due to the absolute need for a school of seven to keep them from turning on each other. All this means that initial costs for the school is rather high (but there are great deals for 2 inch young) and they must be housed in no less than a 75 gal tank. Also, food cost is steep due to the high quality and amount needed for a small school of such large fish.

Glad you have seen their obvious physical attraction