Last Updated on 2024-09-18
Nobody likes a lonely fish! Watching your Discus swim solo in an empty tank just doesn’t feel right, does it? That’s why you bought a full aquarium, not a tiny bowl. An active, colorful tank is not only more fun to look at, but it’s also better for your fish.
The Discus is one of the coolest, most interesting, and most beautiful fish in any great fish enthusiasts’ tank. Although it has a reputation for being hard to care for, this isn’t always necessarily the case. However, it is important to make sure your Discus is among other fish that it can coexist with well.
Read on to see some of the best tank mates for your Discus and how to set up the perfect aquarium.
Best Discus Tank Mates (Quick List)
Below, for your convenience, there is a list of some of the best tank mates for your beautiful Discus!
- Siamese Algae Eater
- Long Fin Red White Cloud
- Apisto Agassizi
- Silver Tip Tetra
- Rummy Nose Tetra
- Neon Tetra
- Ember Tetra
- Pencil Fish
- Loaches
- Panda Cory
- Corydoras Sterbai
- Marbled Hatchetfish
- Pleco
- Assassin Snail
- German Blue Ram
Do Discus Need Tankmates?
Do Discus fish have to have tank mates? The short answer: no. You can keep a Discus-only tank, and it will look beautiful. Fewer fish often means easier maintenance, especially for beginners. Less fish equals less fuss!
But, adding other species has its benefits. Discus are shy by nature. Sometimes they spend more time hiding than swimming. By adding peaceful fish to the tank, your Discus may feel more confident and start showing off those colorful fins. It’s like inviting friends to a party—once others are mingling, the Discus will join in!
How To Setup A Tank For Discus With Tank Mates
When setting up a tank for Discus fish, the important thing to consider is that they’re very particular. Remember, it is a Discus tank with other fish, not vice versa. It is important that the Discus’ tank is set up to the exact specifications they need, rather than being tailored to another fish.
The main purpose of your tank should be to be a Discus tank, with the other fish serving as support for the Discus. Otherwise, the Discus will be too shy, and its beauty will be hidden in the pits and crevices of your aquarium, rather than out in the open where it belongs.
Temperature
Discus fish are from the Amazon, and so they are used to waters that are quite a bit warmer than average. Try to keep the water between 82 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Some types of Discus, such as wild Heckel Discus, prefer water that is even up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Talk about hot!
This will obviously affect the kinds of fish that are able to be good tank mates for your Discus. Purchasing other warm-water fish is an absolute necessity, as fish used to colder temperatures will not do well in an aquarium as warm as the aquariums Discus are comfortable in.
Acidity
The Amazonian water that Discus fish is originally from is not only hot. It also has a very specific pH level. Discus fish are the healthiest in water that is at a pH level between 6 and 7.
Be careful, however, as if your specific Discus fish may have been raised in water with a differing pH level. Make sure to double-check what pH level water your fish were raised in before placing them in the tank, as a sudden pH change could be very bad for your Discus and could even be fatal.
Other Water Conditions
The water you keep your Discus in should be de-chlorinated, as the chlorine isn’t good for the fish. It should also have a weak flow. This can be accomplished using driftwood or a vertical piece of wood in the tank, provided it is small and smooth enough to not injure passing Discuses and other fish.
Plants are not only a great addition to your tank as far as looks are concerned, but they also provide oxygen and a nutrient sink, giving a boost to the overall health of your tank and the fish inside.
Discus fish prefer tanks with finer sediment. Small or medium should be fine. This is due to the fact that they like to search for food in the sediment, and larger pieces of rock can end up hurting them. Best to stick with finer sediment and let your Discuses search around at their hearts’ content!
Hiding Spaces
Since Discuses are naturally shy fish, they tend to love living in tanks with nice crevices, caves, and other nice hiding places. Make sure to add plenty of them to the bottom of your tank. Good examples are good fake boats, caverns, and other places where the Discus can completely conceal its presence.
Tank Size
Another factor worth considering is setting up a tank for Discus fish is the size of the tank you’re planning on putting your fish into. Just like you can’t put fish in any old kind of water, you can’t just throw them into any randomly sized tank you’ve got lying around and expect them to do well.
For any aquarium, the size of the tank you’ll need is entirely dependent on how many fish (individuals and different kinds) that you plan on putting in. The fact that you clicked on an article about tank mates indicates you are planning on putting at least a few different kinds of fish into your tank!
If this is the case, bigger is probably better. You want to prevent overcrowding, and you want to give your Discus space to swim. 100 gallons is a good number for Discus, as this will prevent drastic changes in water conditions between parts of the tank. A good rule of thumb is for every Discus you have, around 7 gallons of water should be in your tank.
Will Discus Attack Their Tank Mates?
The short answer to this question is most likely not. Discus are not known as aggressive fish species and are actually some of the most peaceful fish you can find to put in your home aquarium. Usually, when they come into conflict with other fish (perhaps over food or territory), they try to escape by intimidation using their large, colorful bodies or simply try to swim away.
That being said, they do not pair well with aggressive fish. You’ll want to build a peaceful tank around your Discus so they may thrive and show off those beautiful, colorful bodies without fear of being harmed and without being intimidated into the corners of the tank or into hiding beneath the cover.
What Are The Best Tank Mates For Discus?
So, there is no definitive best tank mate for the Discus. They are quite a particular fish, seeing as they have many requirements that need to be filled. This, combined with the fact that they do best when the tank is built around their needs, means that it can be a challenge to find good tank mates for them.
But that’s why you’re here. So read on! We will cover the bullet list we outlined above here in more detail. Here are the best tank mates for Discus fish!
Siamese Algae Eater
The Siamese Algae Eater is a peaceful fish known for its work ethic! These slender, active fish are great at munching away on algae, keeping your tank clean. They have a sleek, silver body with a black stripe running from nose to tail.
Why It’s a Good Tank Mate for Discus:
Siamese Algae Eaters are low-maintenance and non-aggressive, making them a perfect fit for the calm nature of Discus fish. They focus on cleaning the tank instead of bothering other fish, helping maintain a cleaner environment without competing for food.
What You Need to Know:
While they’re peaceful, Siamese Algae Eaters prefer slightly cooler water than Discus. They can tolerate the higher temperatures of a Discus tank, but it’s not their favorite. Keep an eye on them to make sure they’re not too stressed. And, as they’re jumpy, make sure your tank is covered!
Long Fin Red White Cloud
The Long Fin Red White Cloud is a small, hardy fish with beautiful colors. Its long, flowing fins and red-and-white body make it stand out in any aquarium. These fish are active and peaceful, often swimming in the mid-level of the tank.
Why It’s a Good Tank Mate for Discus:
These fish are non-aggressive and can handle a variety of water conditions. Their peaceful nature and stunning colors complement the elegant Discus, creating a visually appealing tank.
What You Need to Know:
Long Fin Red White Clouds prefer cooler water than Discus, but they can adapt to warmer temperatures. However, they won’t be at their absolute best in Discus-level heat. While they are adaptable, keep an eye on them for signs of stress or discomfort.
Apisto Agassizi
Apisto Agassizi is a small, colorful cichlid with a bold personality. They have a stunning mix of colors, with males displaying bright blue, red, and yellow hues. They are known for their long dorsal fin and slightly territorial nature.
Why It’s a Good Tank Mate for Discus:
Despite being a cichlid, Apisto Agassizi is peaceful enough to coexist with Discus. They’re bottom dwellers, so they won’t compete with Discus for swimming space. Plus, their striking colors add a vibrant contrast to the tank.
What You Need to Know:
These fish prefer slightly acidic water, which aligns well with Discus preferences. However, Apistos can be a bit territorial, especially during breeding, so it’s best to give them plenty of hiding spaces. Keep an eye on their interactions, particularly in smaller tanks.
Silver Tip Tetra
Silver Tip Tetras are small, lively fish with golden bodies and silvery tips on their fins. They love swimming in groups and are known for their active behavior. These fish are easy to care for and add a splash of energy to your aquarium.
Why It’s a Good Tank Mate for Discus:
They’re peaceful and enjoy schooling, which adds movement to the tank without stressing the Discus. Their fast movements encourage shy Discus to come out of hiding and explore their surroundings. They thrive in warm, slightly acidic water, just like Discus.
What You Need to Know:
Silver Tip Tetras are quick swimmers and might dart around the tank. This can sometimes make the slower Discus a bit nervous. To prevent any issues, make sure the tank is large enough for both species to have their own space.
Rummy Nose Tetra
Rummy Nose Tetras are instantly recognizable by their bright red noses and sleek silver bodies. They are schooling fish, often seen swimming together in synchronized movements, creating a beautiful display.
Why It’s a Good Tank Mate for Discus:
Rummy Nose Tetras are calm, peaceful, and enjoy the same water conditions as Discus. Their schooling behavior creates a calming presence in the tank, which can help shy Discus feel more secure and comfortable.
What You Need to Know:
Rummy Nose Tetras prefer a bit of open swimming space, so make sure your tank is spacious enough to accommodate both them and the Discus. They’re sensitive to water quality, so regular tank maintenance is essential to keep both species happy and healthy.
Neon Tetra
Neon Tetras are tiny, vibrant fish with bright blue and red stripes running along their sleek bodies. They are a classic choice for many aquarium enthusiasts and are happiest when swimming in schools.
Why It’s a Good Tank Mate for Discus:
Neon Tetras are peaceful and love to stick together in groups. Their small size and calm demeanor make them perfect companions for the Discus. Plus, they thrive in warm, slightly acidic water, just like Discus.
What You Need to Know:
Neon Tetras are tiny—really tiny. Keep an eye on them, especially if you have larger Discus, to make sure they don’t end up being seen as snacks! Always house them in groups of at least six to make them feel safe and lively.
Ember Tetra
Ember Tetras are small, fiery-colored fish that add a lovely pop of orange-red to your tank. They are peaceful and love to swim together in schools, bringing a soft, warm glow to the water.
Why It’s a Good Tank Mate for Discus:
These little guys are laid-back and gentle, which makes them ideal for a calm Discus tank. They’re also easygoing when it comes to water conditions, and their love for warm, slightly acidic water fits right in with Discus preferences.
What You Need to Know:
Because they’re so small, make sure to keep them in groups of six or more so they feel secure. Like Neon Tetras, they can be at risk of being mistaken for food, so monitor the tank, especially when Discus are feeling extra hungry.
Pencil Fish
Pencil Fish, true to their name, are slender, long fish that resemble little pencils darting around the tank. They are known for their calm demeanor and subtle beauty, with patterns ranging from stripes to vibrant colors.
Why It’s a Good Tank Mate for Discus:
Pencil Fish are peaceful and won’t compete with Discus for space or food. They enjoy similar water conditions, and their gentle nature makes them a perfect addition to a tranquil, Discus-focused aquarium.
What You Need to Know:
Male Pencil Fish can be a bit territorial with each other, especially during breeding. To avoid tension, keep a good balance of males and females, and make sure there’s enough room for everyone to swim without bumping into each other.
Loaches
Loaches are quirky, bottom-dwelling fish that love to dig through the substrate and keep things tidy. With many different varieties, they are known for their unique patterns and playful personalities.
Why It’s a Good Tank Mate for Discus:
Loaches are excellent for cleaning up leftover food and debris from the tank’s bottom, helping maintain a cleaner environment for your Discus. They’re peaceful and tend to stay at the bottom, leaving the middle and top areas free for Discus to swim.
What You Need to Know:
Stick with smaller varieties of Loaches, like Kuhli Loaches or Dwarf Chain Loaches. Larger Loaches can grow too big and intimidate your Discus, which might make them nervous and hide more than usual.
Panda Corydora
Panda Corys are adorable, small catfish with black-and-white markings that resemble tiny pandas. They’re bottom-dwellers and love to shuffle around the substrate, keeping the tank clean in the proces
Why It’s a Good Tank Mate for Discus:
Panda Corys are peaceful and stay near the bottom, so they won’t interfere with the Discus swimming higher up. They thrive in warm water and are great at keeping the tank floor spotless by eating leftovers.
What You Need to Know:
Panda Corys are happiest in small groups, so make sure to keep at least three or four together. They’re social little fish and will get stressed if kept alone.
Corydoras Sterbai
Corydoras Sterbai are small, armored catfish with striking patterns of white spots against dark bodies. They are lively bottom-dwellers, always on the move, and love to socialize in groups.
Why It’s a Good Tank Mate for Discus:
These catfish are peaceful and stick to the bottom of the tank, keeping the floor clean without bothering the Discus. They thrive in the warm, soft water that Discus need, making them a perfect fit.
What You Need to Know:
Corydoras Sterbai should be kept in groups of at least five. They’re social creatures, and having companions keeps them happy and active. Make sure the substrate is soft to protect their sensitive barbels while they forage for food.
Marbled Hatchetfish
Marbled Hatchetfish are small, surface-dwelling fish known for their unique, hatchet-shaped bodies and beautiful marbled patterns. They prefer to stay near the top of the tank, giving the aquarium a nice balance between top, middle, and bottom swimmers.
Why It’s a Good Tank Mate for Discus:
Since they stick to the surface, Hatchetfish won’t compete for space with Discus, who prefer the middle of the tank. Their peaceful nature and need for warm water make them a good match for the calm Discus environment.
What You Need to Know:
Hatchetfish are jumpers! Make sure your tank has a tight-fitting lid, or they might try to escape. They do best in groups of six or more, so keep them in a small school to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
Pleco
Why It’s a Good Tank Mate for Discus:
Plecos are well-known algae eaters, with their tough, armored bodies and sucker-like mouths. They come in many varieties, from the tiny Bristlenose Pleco to the larger Common Pleco. These fish are famous for keeping tank surfaces clean.
Plecos are peaceful and spend most of their time attached to tank walls or decorations, minding their own business. They’re also great at controlling algae, which helps keep the tank clean without needing chemical treatments.
What You Need to Know:
Be careful when selecting Plecos. Some larger varieties can grow up to 15 inches and might cause stress to your Discus. Stick to smaller species like the Bristlenose Pleco, which stays around 5 inches, and ensure they have enough space to thrive without crowding your Discus.
(Find out whether the 15 most common plecos are right for your tank!)
Assassin Snail
Assassin Snails are small, carnivorous snails with a cool, striped shell. They are known for hunting down and eating pest snails, making them a great natural solution for snail infestations.
Why It’s a Good Tank Mate for Discus:
These snails are peaceful and stay mostly out of sight, working quietly to control unwanted snail populations. They won’t bother your Discus or compete for food, and they thrive in the warm water Discus prefer.
What You Need to Know:
While Assassin Snails are great for pest control, they breed slowly, so you won’t have to worry about them taking over your tank. Just make sure there’s enough food for them, especially if you don’t have a snail problem.
(Find out about 10 more great aquarium snails for your fish tank!)
German Blue Ram
The German Blue Ram is a stunning dwarf cichlid with electric blue and yellow colors. These small fish are peaceful and love warm, slightly acidic water, making them a great match for Discus.
Why It’s a Good Tank Mate for Discus:
German Blue Rams are gentle and won’t challenge your Discus for dominance. Their vibrant colors complement the beauty of Discus, and they thrive in the same water conditions, making them a visually stunning and harmonious addition.
What You Need to Know:
While normally peaceful, German Blue Rams can become a bit territorial during breeding. If you keep a pair, provide plenty of hiding spots to reduce any potential aggression. Other than that, they’re easygoing and fit right in with a calm Discus community.
Tank Mates To Avoid with Discus
Here, we’ll quickly go over which fish might be a bad match for you and your Discus.
Angelfish
Description:
Angelfish are beautiful, elegant fish with long, flowing fins and triangular bodies. They’re often admired for their striking appearance and graceful swimming.
Why You Should Avoid Them with Discus:
Although Angelfish look like perfect companions for Discus, they can be territorial and aggressive, especially as they grow. Their feisty nature can intimidate the shy Discus, causing stress and making them hide instead of swim freely.
What You Need to Know:
Angelfish and Discus both enjoy warm water, but that’s about where the similarities end. Angelfish tend to dominate the tank and might even compete with Discus for food or space. If you want your Discus to feel relaxed and confident, it’s best to skip Angelfish as tank mates.
Clown Loach
Description:
Clown Loaches are large, colorful fish with bold stripes and playful behavior. They’re popular for their bright colors and lively personalities, often seen darting around the tank.
Why You Should Avoid Them with Discus:
Clown Loaches grow big—up to a foot long! Their size and hyperactive nature can stress out the Discus, which prefer a calmer, more peaceful environment. Plus, their need for space can lead to overcrowding in a Discus tank.
What You Need to Know:
While Clown Loaches are fun to watch, they’re just too large and energetic for the tranquil vibe Discus need. They can also outcompete Discus for food, making them a poor choice for sharing a tank.
Tiger Barb
Description:
Tiger Barbs are small, feisty fish with bold black stripes across their orange-golden bodies. They’re active and often seen zipping around the tank in groups.
Why You Should Avoid Them with Discus:
Tiger Barbs are notorious fin-nippers, and they love to harass slow-moving fish. Their aggressive behavior and fast pace will stress out your Discus, who prefer a more peaceful tank environment.
What You Need to Know:
Although Tiger Barbs are small, their constant fin-nipping can lead to injuries, especially to Discus with their delicate fins. For the safety and sanity of your Discus, it’s best to avoid putting these two together.
Betta Fish
Description:
Betta fish are known for their beautiful, flowing fins and vibrant colors. They’re often kept alone due to their territorial and aggressive behavior, especially towards other fish.
Why You Should Avoid Them with Discus:
Bettas are highly territorial and can become aggressive if they feel their space is being invaded. Their confrontational nature makes them unsuitable for a peaceful Discus tank. They’ll likely see the Discus as rivals and may attack.
What You Need to Know:
While Betta fish might look like a good companion for Discus due to their similar need for warm water, their aggression makes them a poor choice. Keep Bettas separate to avoid unnecessary stress and potential injuries to your Discus.
Red Tail Shark
Description:
Red Tail Sharks are sleek, aggressive fish with striking black bodies and a vibrant red tail. They are territorial and can be quite assertive in claiming space in the tank.
Why You Should Avoid Them with Discus:
Red Tail Sharks are highly territorial and will chase and bully other fish, especially slower-moving species like Discus. Their aggressive behavior can create a stressful environment for Discus, who prefer calm tank mates.
What You Need to Know:
Even though Red Tail Sharks can tolerate similar water conditions as Discus, their aggression and need to dominate make them a bad match. They’ll likely disrupt the peaceful atmosphere Discus require, leading to stress and hiding.
Recap
So, there are obviously a ton of choices when it comes to choosing tank mates for your Discus. Any of the fish on this list will work very well.
However, there are a ton of other great varieties of fish. Make sure your tank is a Discus tank first! That means warm, slightly acidic, soft water with soft sand at the bottom, plenty of plant life and cover, and, most importantly, a community of peaceful, beautiful fish.
So what are you waiting for? Fill that tank up and get your Discus some fishy friends!
I see panda cory and neon tetra in this list. Both of these fish would suffer from those temperatures. Where are you getting these recommendations from?
Hey Fred,
Thanks for reaching out! I’m currently doing a complete overhaul to make sure everything is factually correct!