When it comes to choosing the perfect discus fish tank mates for your aquarium, it can be difficult to decide which species are the best fit. Always remember that each type of fish has different needs, so it’s important to do your research before making any decisions.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 15 of the best tank mates for discus fish to make your search easier. From tetras to gouramis, each one of these tank mates is suitable for any discus aquarium, and you will be able to create a safe and healthy home for your discus fish and their tank mates.
Discus fish tank mates – What you need to know
Discus fish can make for excellent tank mates for many other species, but it’s important to choose carefully. Many fish will do well with discus, but some may not be compatible due to differences in size, water chemistry, or dietary needs.
When selecting discus fish tank mates, look for fish that are peaceful and similar in size and temperament. Discus fish can be shy, so it’s important to provide plenty of hiding places within the tank and keep the light low. Compatible tank mates should also have similar temperature and water chemistry requirements as discus.
Common discus fish tank mates include freshwater angelfish, cardinal tetras, corydora catfish, siamese algae eater, pencil fish, harlequin rasbora, rummy nose tetra, clown loaches, lemon tetras, neon tetra, German blue ram cichlids, white cloud mountain minnows, dwarf gouramis, pleco fish, and bloodfin tetras.
All of these fish are relatively peaceful and don’t require large tanks to thrive.
Keep in mind that it’s best to add compatible tank mates gradually over time. This will help reduce stress levels among all the fish in the tank. Also, avoid overstocking your tank as this can lead to a build-up of waste and increase competition for food.
By following these tips and choosing your tank mates carefully, you can create a safe and enjoyable environment for your discus fish. With the right tank mates, your discus can lead a healthy and happy life.
Common Discus fish tank mates
Freshwater Angelfish
Freshwater angelfish are a popular choice for discus fish tank mates due to their peaceful nature and stunning looks. While they can be a bit territorial when it comes to spawning, they are otherwise very peaceful.
These fish do best in tanks with plenty of plants and open swimming space. They prefer a temperature range of 75-82°F and pH levels between 6.0 and 7.5. They also require regular water changes and ample oxygen.
When selecting an angelfish, make sure that you choose one with the right size and color for your tank.
Smaller varieties may be bullied by the larger discus fish, so stick to the larger varieties if you plan on keeping them together.
Cardinal Tetras
Cardinal tetras are one of the most popular discus fish tank mates due to their stunning appearance and ease of care. They come in a variety of colors from deep red to bright orange and are incredibly peaceful, making them a great choice for a discus tank. Cardinal tetras are also schooling fish so it’s best to keep at least six in the same tank.
In terms of diet, cardinal tetras should be fed a variety of foods including flakes, pellets, live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. To make sure your cardinal tetras are healthy and happy, keep the water temperature between 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit and the pH between 6.5-7.5.
These fish will thrive in an aquarium with plenty of swimming space and hiding places, so make sure there is plenty of vegetation in the tank.
Overall, cardinal tetras make excellent discus tank mates due to their colorful appearance and peaceful demeanor. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them an ideal choice for beginning aquarists.
With the right environment and nutrition, cardinal tetras can be a beautiful addition to any discus tank.
Corydora Catfish
Corydora catfish is an ideal tank mate for discus fish. Not only do they get along peacefully, but they also act as a clean-up crew in the aquarium by feeding off any excess food and debris from the substrate.
Corydoras are bottom-dwellers and usually move in small groups, so it’s best to add at least four of them to the tank for optimal socialization. Because of their small size, they don’t take up too much room in the aquarium and they can even help keep algae under control.
They’re relatively easy to care for and require a regular diet of sinking pellets or shrimp-based foods. Just be sure not to house these fish with other bottom-dwellers, such as loaches, because they may compete for food and space.
Siamese Algae Eater
Siamese Algae Eaters (SAE) are a great addition to any Discus Fish tank. Not only do they help keep algae levels in check, but they’re also very peaceful and make great tank mates. This species is best kept in schools of six or more, as they are quite social and enjoy the company.
They are very hardy fish, making them ideal for beginners, however, they can become aggressive towards their own kind if there is not enough space. Keep in mind that they are fast swimmers, so larger tanks with plenty of hiding places are recommended.
They do well in a variety of water conditions, as long as the pH is kept between 6.5 and 8.0 and the temperature is between 68°F and 79°F. They are omnivores and will mostly feed on algae, although some vegetables and other supplements should be added for a balanced diet. SAEs are also very active, so make sure you have plenty of decorations and hiding places to keep them entertained.
Harlequin Rasbora
Harlequin Rasboras are a great tank mate for Discus Fish due to their peaceful nature and small size. They are native to Southeast Asia and can be found in clear streams and rivers with slow-moving water. Their stunning, bright orange bodies and black markings make them an attractive addition to any tank.
Harlequin Rasboras should be kept in a group of at least five for best results. These fish prefer slightly acidic water and a temperature between 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be fed a diet of small live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or small pellets. Harlequin Rasboras enjoy the company of other small, peaceful fish, so they make a great companion for Discus Fish.
Pencil Fish
Pencil Fish are a great addition to your discus fish tank and make for excellent tank mates. These small, elongated fish have an interesting pattern of horizontal stripes on their bodies, giving them their name. They’re also relatively peaceful and can be kept in groups, although males will occasionally fight over territory.
They’re omnivorous and will happily accept a variety of flake food and frozen food. Pencil Fish can get along well with Discus Fish as long as the water parameters are similar since they tend to do better in soft acidic water.
Pencil Fish can reach up to 3 inches in length and should be kept in tanks no smaller than 20 gallons, but preferably larger. With the right care, Pencil Fish can live for up to 3 years in captivity.
Rummy Nose Tetra
The Rummy Nose Tetra is a small and peaceful fish that make excellent tank mates for Discus Fish. These fish have a unique look, with their bright red heads and yellow tails, making them stand out in any aquarium.
They are schooling fish, so it is best to keep them in groups of six or more. They prefer a well-planted aquarium with plenty of open swimming space and soft, slightly acidic water conditions. Rummy Nose Tetras are omnivores, so they will accept a variety of foods including flakes, freeze-dried foods, and live foods like brine shrimp. Be sure to feed them several times a day in small portions to avoid overfeeding.
Clown Loaches
Clown loaches are an ideal tank mate for discus fish. They are peaceful, hardy, and quite active. They come in a variety of colors and can be a fun addition to the aquarium. Clown loaches are usually around five inches in length when fully grown, so they can take up a bit of space in the tank.
They prefer well-oxygenated water with a pH level of 6.5 – 7.5 and temperatures between 74 – 82F.
These fish are an excellent choice for tank mates because they are peaceful and don’t compete with the discus for food or territory. Clown loaches do best when kept in groups of three or more since they like to have company. They eat mostly algae, but can also be given prepared food like frozen bloodworms, shrimp, or tubifex worms.
Clown loaches need plenty of hiding places, so make sure there is plenty of rocks and driftwood in the tank for them to hide in. They also need lots of swimming room, so make sure the tank is large enough to accommodate them. Overall, clown loaches are an excellent choice for a tank mate for discus fish and will add some color and activity to the aquarium.
Lemon Tetras
Lemon Tetras are a great choice for Discus fish tank mates. They are peaceful, easy to care for, and attractive, with their yellowish-orange body and deep black fins. These tetras should be kept in groups of at least 6, as they are schooling fish. They will swim around your tank in large shoals and can help add activity and color to the tank.
In terms of diet, Lemon Tetras require a varied diet of flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and live foods such as bloodworms or brine shrimp. You should feed your Lemon Tetras several small meals a day, rather than one large meal.
Lemon Tetras can also make good tank mates for Discus fish as they are very compatible when it comes to water parameters. They prefer warm, slightly acidic to neutral water with a temperature between 73 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you’re looking for an active and colorful tank mate for your Discus fish, Lemon Tetras are a great choice!
Neon Tetra
Neon Tetras are a popular aquarium fish choice and they make great tank mates for discus fish. They have a peaceful temperament and prefer the same environment as discus: warm water temperatures, soft water, and acidic pH levels.
Neon Tetras are best kept in large schools of at least six and will add vibrant splashes of color to your discus tank. They should be fed small amounts of food multiple times a day. It’s important to keep them well fed as overfeeding can cause water quality issues that can harm your discus.
To keep them healthy, make sure to change about 30% of the tank water each week. Neon Tetras are an ideal companion for discus and should do well with other compatible fish in the tank.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
White Cloud Mountain Minnows are peaceful and hardy fish that make excellent tank mates for Discus Fish. These tiny fish reach a maximum size of 1.5 inches and require at least 10 gallons of water to thrive. The water should be between 68°F-72°F and with a pH of 6.0-7.8.
These fish are an omnivore, but they do best when fed a variety of high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods. White Cloud Mountain Minnows love to school together, so they should be kept in groups of six or more.
They can also help keep the tank clean by eating any leftover food or algae in the aquarium.
When it comes to compatibility, White Cloud Mountain Minnows get along great with Discus Fish. These fish are relatively calm and shy, so they won’t disturb the discus. Plus, they can help create a natural environment in your tank.
As long as the other tank mates are similarly sized and calm, the White Cloud Mountain Minnows will get along just fine.
German Blue Ram Cichlids
German Blue Ram Cichlids are one of the most popular tank mates for Discus Fish. These vibrant cichlids are native to South America and can be found in slow-moving waters such as creeks, tributaries, and other calm water sources.
The body is oval-shaped and covered in small speckles with some green and yellow markings. The head has a bright blue sheen and there is often a red patch around the face, giving these fish a unique look.
These cichlids can grow up to 4 inches in length, so it’s important to ensure that the tank is large enough to accommodate them comfortably. German Blue Ram Cichlids require an aquarium temperature between 73-82°F and alkalinity of 6-14dKH.
They prefer a soft sandy substrate with plenty of hiding places and rocks for shelter.
When it comes to compatibility, German Blue Ram Cichlids are peaceful fish that can coexist with other fish in the same aquarium, including Discus Fish. They should not be housed with aggressive fish or overly large tankmates, as they can become intimidated.
When they feel safe and secure, these cichlids will usually stay close together in small groups, which can add an interesting dynamic to any discus fish tank.
Overall, German Blue Ram Cichlids are a great choice for a tank mate for discus fish and can really add a lot of color and interest to any tank. Just make sure to research the appropriate tank size and water parameters before you add these cichlids to your tank!
Dwarf Gouramis
Dwarf Gouramis are small and peaceful fish that makes an excellent tank mate for Discus. They are members of the family Osphronemidae and are native to Southeast Asia. Dwarf Gouramis come in a variety of colors, including blue, orange, yellow, red, and green.
These fish prefer water temperatures between 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit with a pH of 6-8. Dwarf Gouramis require moderate water flow and plenty of hiding places, such as rock caves and driftwood. They also need a diet that consists of live foods, frozen foods, and flakes.
Dwarf Gouramis are social fish, but they can be territorial if kept in a small tank. To prevent aggression, it is best to keep them in groups of at least five. These fish get along well with other peaceful fish, and make great tank mates for Discus.
Pleco Fish
Pleco fish is a great choice for discus tank mates due to their scavenging and algae-eating abilities. Plecos are typically nocturnal and tend to hide in caves during the day, so they won’t compete with your discus fish for food. As an added bonus, plecos help keep your tank clean by eating any leftover food and waste.
When choosing a pleco, it is important to select one that is not too large, as they can reach up to 12 inches in length. Common pleco varieties include the zebra pleco, bristlenose pleco, and rubber lip pleco.
Plecos can be territorial, so make sure you have enough hiding spots and cave decor in your tank for them to claim their own territory.