Symphysodon tarzoo

Scientific name Symphysodon tarzoo
Descriptor Lyons
Year of description 1959
IUCN category NE
Family Cichlidae
Genus Symphysodon
Symphysodon tarzoo Symphysodon tarzoo

Introduction

Symphysodon tarzoo is a fresh water fish from the Amérique du Sud.

Who is it?

Genus Symphysodon

Fish of the genus Symphysodon are commonly called discus. They belong to the group of "cichlasomatines," which includes several other species of compressed-bodied cichlids that inhabit similar biotopes. Examples include the genera Heros, Uaru, Pterophyllum, or Mesonauta.

Discus share some character traits with species from the previously mentioned genera. Rare among fishes, they have the peculiarity of producing mucus to feed their juveniles. Worldwide, only these fishes and Uaru exude this "milk" from their skin.

The number of discus species is still a matter of disagreement among scientists. According to Schultz, two species are recognized: S. aequifasciatus, divided into 3 subspecies, and S. discus Heckel found in the Rio Negro.

In 2006, a DNA-based study showed that the genus has two species: S. aequifasciatus and a new species, S. tarzoo, which includes the "green" and "blue" discus populations previously incorporated into the species S. aequifasciatus. The former S. discus, present east of the Purus arch, belong, according to this model, to the species S. aequifasciatus.

Finally, a 2007 DNA-based study also showed that there are actually three species of discus: S. discus, S. aequifasciatus, and S. haraldi. According to the latter, S. aequifasciatus is the only species found exclusively west of the Purus arch. S. haraldi is widely present around the mouth of the Amazon at the rio Iça. S. discus is limited to the Rio Negro and some tributaries. Hybridizations are common between S. discus and S. haraldi.

On Fishipedia, we have maintained the FishBase classification for the time being, awaiting resolution by scientists of these discrepancies.

A dynamic international trade is organized around the export of wild discus from the Brazilian Amazon. Despite the strong historical interest in discus in the aquarium hobbyist community, studies on the natural habitat of these fishes have long been absent. Much of the literature comes from captive experiments.

Morphology

  • Average size
    14 cm
  • Maximum size
    16 cm
  • Longevity
    10 year
  • Shape
    Circular
  • Average size
    14 cm
  • Maximum size
    16 cm
  • Longevity
    10 year
  • Shape
    Circular

How to recognize Symphysodon tarzoo ?

Symphysodon tarzoo measures between 14 and 16 cm.

Sexual dimorphism

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    carnivorous
  • Sociability
    living as a couple or in a group
  • territorial
    Yes
  • Way of living
    diurnal

Symphysodon tarzoo is a fish living as a couple or in a group naturally found at mid-depth. This species is carnivorous .

Although slightly territorial, Symphysodon tarzoo is a rather peaceful animal that generally behaves in a peaceful manner with other species. It should be noted that it is sometimes less tolerant with its conspecifics. Parades or even small jousts may occur between different members of the group until a hierarchy is established.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert

Symphysodon tarzoo is a fish ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    26 - 31 °C
  • pH (acidity)
    5 - 7
  • gh (hardness)
    1 - 3

Biotope presentation

The acidification of water comes from the decomposition of plants. This phenomenon changes the color of the water, which tends to turn brown. In some areas particularly rich in organic matter, the water is so dark that it is called "black water".

This species lives near large roots, in which it can find refuge in case of danger. This type of habitat is often found not far from the banks.

Main recommendations for fishkeeping

Deontology

In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.

Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.

We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.

Our recommendations

  • Min volume
    350 liters
  • Population min
    not specified
  • Temperature
    26 - 31 °C
  • pH (acidity)
    5 - 7

Characteristics

  • Difficulty breeding
    hard
  • Robustness
    sensible
  • Behaviour
    peaceful

General reminders

It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.

In nature, animals are subject to weather conditions and live in waters with variable characteristics. The recommendations offered by our team for aquarium maintenance are a guidance and cannot be assimilated to scientific datas.

General reminder on maintenance datas

Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.

Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.

Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.

Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.

En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.

Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.

Specific needs for Symphysodon tarzoo

Symphysodon tarzoo is a species which lives naturally at a temperature between 26 °C and 31 °C. For proper maintenance, the temperature should never exceed the 34°C for long periods. Symphysodon tarzoo is sensitive to abrupt changes in parameters as well as to chemicals. Its acclimation in an aquarium must be done with special care to prevent it from developing diseases or weaknesses. Nitrate levels should remain below 25mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month.

Symphysodon tarzoo is a species whose maintenance is rather reserved for informed aquarists . It can only be successfully carried out by carrying out a minimum of documentation work. Special husbandry conditions can easily lead to the death of the species or other animals.

Cohabitation & Environment

In a community aquarium context, this species should be kept in a minimum volume of 350 liters.

Fearful by nature, it is advised not to let Symphysodon tarzoo cohabit with large territorial species or with too aggressive fish. It can easily evolve with territorial neighbors with a peaceful temperament or with non-territorial species.

Be careful to plan an adequate space for each territorial species. Each species should have a surface and a decor allowing it to juxtapose its territory with that of its neighbors.

Symphysodon tarzoo is a fish that generally lives in groups outside of the reproduction periods. If you want to reproduce them and have a good chance of forming a couple, it is recommended to keep at least 5 individuals.. In a community aquarium, the chances of survival of the larvae are almost null. After a few spawns, it is preferable to isolate the couple or to separate from the other members of the group.

The hierarchical organization and the aggressiveness between fellow fish can weaken certain individuals, the presence of hiding places becomes then necessary. If you wish to add new members, it is better to introduce younger fish. They will have a better chance of integrating into the new balance.

Acid Water Maintenance

Symphysodon tarzoo living naturally in acidic water, generally in "black" or "sieved" water, the implementation of a filtration on peat is ideal for its balance. Adding decaying leaves and alder fruit can significantly improve living conditions by naturally increasing acidity of some water.

Tips for feeding

Symphysodon tarzoo is carnivorous.

This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.

You should not overfeed your residents to avoid polluting the water. For most species, it is better to feed a few small portions each day rather than one large meal.

Reproduction protocol

  • Maintenance difficulty
    hard
  • egg-laying protection
    Yes

Reproduction of this species in an aquarium is considered hard. Ideally, it takes place at a temperature of around 29 ° C for a pH of 5.5 .

Hybridization risks

In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.

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To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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