Symphysodon aequifasciatus

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The Symphysodon aequifasciatus, also sold as Royal Green Tefe Spotted, is a discus with highly sought-after green coloration. Its rounded body, extended fins and spotted pattern make it a spectacular cichlid for a large South American aquarium. This form nevertheless requires warm, stable and exceptionally clean water, along with a calm environment. Since the offered specimen is wild collected, careful acclimation and quarantine are especially advisable. It is a very common discus in the specialty trade, although it remains demanding when it comes to water quality and daily care.

General species description

The Symphysodon aequifasciatus belongs to the genus Symphysodon, a group of Amazonian cichlids recognized by their strongly laterally compressed bodies. The species is social and develops a clear hierarchy; it should be kept in a sufficiently large group so that social interactions are distributed. Wild individuals are often more sensitive to changes in temperature, pH and conductivity than fish from many generations of captive breeding. A spacious, mature and well-filtered aquarium is preferable to an overcrowded layout. Water stability and a varied diet are essential. During spawning, pairs defend a surface for egg deposition, and the parents may feed their fry with their skin mucus.

Geographic origin and biotope

This profile associates the fish with Colombia and the Amazon basin. The trade name Royal Green Tefe Spotted refers to Tefé in Brazil, while the river of origin indicated for this profile is the Rio Nanay. In nature, discus inhabit quiet areas of flooded forest, secondary channels and sheltered zones protected by roots or submerged branches. The water is generally soft, warm and stained by organic matter, with subdued light. Current is usually slow to moderate, and the bottom may consist of fine sand, mud and leaf litter. These conditions explain its preference for warm, acidic to slightly acidic water.

Precise location and local name

For this profile, the reference locality is the Rio Nanay in the northwestern Amazon, while the Tefé designation refers to another Amazonian region in Brazil. In Portuguese-speaking local usage, acará-disco is used for discus fish. In the aquarium trade, Royal Green Tefe Spotted mainly describes a selection or population characterized by a green base color with red or brownish spotting. The name “discus” remains the most widely understood internationally. Because coloration can vary with age, mood, lighting and water quality, this commercial designation should be viewed as a variety or strain name rather than as a separate taxonomic rank.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The Symphysodon aequifasciatus has a tall, disc-shaped and laterally compressed body, with long dorsal and anal fins that emphasize its circular outline. The Royal Green Tefe Spotted pattern is characterized by a metallic green base, vermiculations and contrasting spots across the body and fins. Vertical stress bars may become more apparent depending on the fish’s emotional state or maintenance conditions. The eye is generally reddish to orange in well-colored adults. Adult fish may reach approximately 20 cm in total length, sometimes more depending on the strain and growing conditions. Coloration, body shape and pattern intensity continue to develop as the fish matures.

General diet

In nature, discus feed on small invertebrates, larvae, crustaceans, worms and assorted animal or plant matter collected among leaf litter. In aquariums, they accept quality pellets formulated for cichlids, frozen foods such as brine shrimp and mosquito larvae, as well as balanced prepared foods. It is preferable to offer several small meals rather than one large feeding, especially to young fish. Live and frozen foods should come from reliable sources to reduce health risks. A varied diet supports growth, coloration and overall condition, but uneaten food should be removed promptly to preserve excellent water quality.

Essential data

• River of origin: Rio Nanay
• Local name: Acará-disco
• Origin of the scientific name: Symphysodon comes from Greek; aequifasciatus is a descriptive Latin term.
• Complete name etymology: Symphysodon approximately means “joined teeth” or “fused teeth,” referring to the dentition; aequifasciatus means “with equal bands” or “with regular bands.”
• Common/vernacular names: Discus, Royal Green Tefe Spotted, acará-disco
• Family: Cichlidae
• Subfamily: Cichlinae
• Name pronunciation: sim-fih-soh-don - ee-kwih-fas-see-AH-toos
• Discovery: Jacques Pellegrin, 1904
• Maximum adult size: Approximately 20 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 28 to 30 °C; pH 5.5 to 7.0
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Quiet, often amber-colored water bordered by flooded forest, roots, branches and leaf litter.
• Typical tank mates: Paracheirodon axelrodi, Corydoras agassizi, Paracheirodon innesi
• Temperament and behavior: Generally peaceful, social and schooling; a hierarchy develops within the group.
• Water depth: Shallow to moderately deep areas of flooded forest and quiet side channels.
• Sexual dimorphism: Difficult to identify outside the breeding period; the shape of the genital papilla becomes more useful during spawning.
• Bottom structure and flow: Fine sand, mud and dead leaves; slow to moderate flow with sheltered areas.

In your aquarium

To succeed with the Symphysodon aequifasciatus, provide a spacious aquarium, efficient biological filtration and regular water changes. Keep the temperature high and avoid sudden changes in pH, conductivity or temperature. Since this specimen is wild collected, extended quarantine, gradual acclimation and close observation of feeding behavior are sensible precautions. Offer a compatible group, sheltered areas and a varied diet. Clean water, moderate flow and a peaceful setting are the keys to keeping a healthy discus.