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