How to Identify and Classify Discus Fishes - Exam
  • 1. What is the scientific name for Discus fish?
A) Betta
B) Symphysodon
C) Pterophyllum
D) Poecilia
  • 2. What is the defining characteristic of a Discus's body shape?
A) Elongated and cylindrical
B) Laterally compressed and round
C) Dorsally flattened
D) Square and box-like
  • 3. How many vertical bars do wild-type Discus typically display?
A) Nine
B) Eleven
C) Five
D) Seven
  • 4. Which species is considered the 'Heckel' Discus?
A) Symphysodon tarzoo
B) Symphysodon discus
C) Symphysodon aequifasciatus
D) Symphysodon heckel
  • 5. Which species is often referred to as the 'Blue' or 'Brown' Discus?
A) Symphysodon heckel
B) Symphysodon aequifasciatus
C) Symphysodon discus
D) Symphysodon tarzoo
  • 6. What is the 'Pigeon Blood' Discus known for?
A) Bright green fins
B) Intense red stripes
C) Solid blue color
D) Pepper-like speckling
  • 7. Which color variation is associated with the 'Red Melon' Discus?
A) Blue and black stripes
B) Solid red or orange body
C) Yellow and green markings
D) White with black spots
  • 8. What is a key indicator of a healthy Discus?
A) Rapid breathing at the surface
B) Bright eyes and alert behavior
C) Cloudy eyes and lethargy
D) Fin clamping and hiding
  • 9. What fin is the most important to examine to confirm a Discus species and morph?
A) Pectoral Fin
B) Dorsal fin
C) Anal Fin
D) Caudal Fin
  • 10. What does 'F1' mean when describing Discus?
A) Fully grown, type 1
B) Fish with one fin
C) Fish food grade 1
D) First generation offspring of wild-caught parents
  • 11. What is generally the best pH range for keeping Discus?
A) 5.0-6.0
B) 8.5-9.5
C) 7.5-8.5
D) 6.0-7.0
  • 12. What temperature range is ideal for Discus?
A) 82-88°F (28-31°C)
B) 90-94°F (32-34°C)
C) 72-78°F (22-26°C)
D) 68-72°F (20-22°C)
  • 13. What is a common sign of stress in Discus fish?
A) Darkening of color
B) Vibrant color enhancement
C) Increased appetite
D) Aggressive behavior
  • 14. Which food type is essential for Discus health and color?
A) High-protein foods
B) Plant-based flakes
C) Algae wafers
D) Low-protein foods
  • 15. What type of water change is generally recommended for Discus?
A) Infrequent, large water changes
B) Daily, complete water changes
C) Frequent, small water changes
D) No water changes required
  • 16. What does 'Turquoise' often refer to in Discus?
A) Green fins
B) Yellow bodies
C) Blue striations
D) Red patches
  • 17. What anatomical difference helps distinguish *S. heckel* from other *Symphysodon*?
A) Prominent middle bar
B) Larger fins
C) Lack of bars
D) Smaller eyes
  • 18. What is the typical social behavior of Discus?
A) They are schooling fish
B) They are solitary fish
C) They are nocturnal
D) They are highly territorial
  • 19. What is the function of the slime coat on a Discus?
A) Aids in digestion
B) Attracts mates
C) Protects against parasites and infections
D) Helps with buoyancy
  • 20. What is a 'Checkerboard' Discus?
A) A Discus that only eats flake food
B) Discus with a pattern resembling a checkerboard
C) A Discus with only red fins
D) A Discus with damaged scales
  • 21. Which of these is NOT a common Discus disease?
A) Hexamita (Hole in the Head)
B) Gill Flukes
C) Swim Bladder Disorder
D) Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich)
  • 22. What is the primary way Discus parents feed their fry?
A) Secrete slime from their bodies
B) Regurgitate food
C) Lay eggs for the fry to eat
D) Hunt for small invertebrates
  • 23. What do the eyes of an unhappy or unwell discus look like?
A) Black and shrunken
B) Red and swollen
C) Bright and Active
D) Cloudy and recessed
  • 24. Why is driftwood or peat often used in Discus tanks?
A) To lower the pH and add tannins
B) To raise the pH and add minerals
C) To provide hiding places
D) To oxygenate the water
  • 25. What is a potential danger of keeping Discus with other fish?
A) Improved water quality
B) Increased oxygen levels
C) Reduced aggression
D) Transmission of diseases
  • 26. What is 'peppering' referring to on Discus?
A) Parasites on the scales
B) Large red spots
C) Small black dots/speckles
D) Fungal infections
  • 27. The 'Leopard' Discus typically displays which pattern?
A) Spots and patterns resembling a leopard
B) Vertical stripes only
C) Solid dark color
D) Scaleless body
  • 28. How do you differentiate male and female Discus fish externally?
A) Difficult to distinguish externally
B) Females have brighter colors
C) Males are larger
D) Males have longer fins
  • 29. What is the importance of water hardness (GH) for Discus?
A) Extremely hard water is needed
B) Hard water is preferred
C) Water hardness is not important
D) Soft water is preferred
  • 30. What type of filtration is most important for a Discus tank?
A) Mechanical filtration
B) No filtration is needed
C) Chemical filtration
D) Biological filtration
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