How to Identify and Classify Discus Fishes - Exam
  • 1. What is the scientific name for Discus fish?
A) Pterophyllum
B) Betta
C) Symphysodon
D) Poecilia
  • 2. What is the defining characteristic of a Discus's body shape?
A) Square and box-like
B) Elongated and cylindrical
C) Laterally compressed and round
D) Dorsally flattened
  • 3. How many vertical bars do wild-type Discus typically display?
A) Five
B) Eleven
C) Nine
D) Seven
  • 4. Which species is considered the 'Heckel' Discus?
A) Symphysodon tarzoo
B) Symphysodon heckel
C) Symphysodon discus
D) Symphysodon aequifasciatus
  • 5. Which species is often referred to as the 'Blue' or 'Brown' Discus?
A) Symphysodon heckel
B) Symphysodon discus
C) Symphysodon tarzoo
D) Symphysodon aequifasciatus
  • 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) Solid red or orange body
B) Yellow and green markings
C) White with black spots
D) Blue and black stripes
  • 8. What is a key indicator of a healthy Discus?
A) Bright eyes and alert behavior
B) Rapid breathing at the surface
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) Caudal Fin
C) Dorsal fin
D) Anal Fin
  • 10. What does 'F1' mean when describing Discus?
A) First generation offspring of wild-caught parents
B) Fish with one fin
C) Fully grown, type 1
D) Fish food grade 1
  • 11. What is generally the best pH range for keeping Discus?
A) 6.0-7.0
B) 8.5-9.5
C) 5.0-6.0
D) 7.5-8.5
  • 12. What temperature range is ideal for Discus?
A) 68-72°F (20-22°C)
B) 90-94°F (32-34°C)
C) 72-78°F (22-26°C)
D) 82-88°F (28-31°C)
  • 13. What is a common sign of stress in Discus fish?
A) Vibrant color enhancement
B) Darkening of color
C) Aggressive behavior
D) Increased appetite
  • 14. Which food type is essential for Discus health and color?
A) Algae wafers
B) Low-protein foods
C) Plant-based flakes
D) High-protein foods
  • 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) Red patches
B) Blue striations
C) Yellow bodies
D) Green fins
  • 17. What anatomical difference helps distinguish *S. heckel* from other *Symphysodon*?
A) Prominent middle bar
B) Lack of bars
C) Larger fins
D) Smaller eyes
  • 18. What is the typical social behavior of Discus?
A) They are schooling fish
B) They are highly territorial
C) They are solitary fish
D) They are nocturnal
  • 19. What is the function of the slime coat on a Discus?
A) Protects against parasites and infections
B) Attracts mates
C) Helps with buoyancy
D) Aids in digestion
  • 20. What is a 'Checkerboard' Discus?
A) Discus with a pattern resembling a checkerboard
B) A Discus with only red fins
C) A Discus that only eats flake food
D) A Discus with damaged scales
  • 21. Which of these is NOT a common Discus disease?
A) Swim Bladder Disorder
B) Hexamita (Hole in the Head)
C) Gill Flukes
D) Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich)
  • 22. What is the primary way Discus parents feed their fry?
A) Lay eggs for the fry to eat
B) Secrete slime from their bodies
C) Hunt for small invertebrates
D) Regurgitate food
  • 23. What do the eyes of an unhappy or unwell discus look like?
A) Bright and Active
B) Red and swollen
C) Cloudy and recessed
D) Black and shrunken
  • 24. Why is driftwood or peat often used in Discus tanks?
A) To oxygenate the water
B) To provide hiding places
C) To raise the pH and add minerals
D) To lower the pH and add tannins
  • 25. What is a potential danger of keeping Discus with other fish?
A) Reduced aggression
B) Transmission of diseases
C) Improved water quality
D) Increased oxygen levels
  • 26. What is 'peppering' referring to on Discus?
A) Large red spots
B) Parasites on the scales
C) Small black dots/speckles
D) Fungal infections
  • 27. The 'Leopard' Discus typically displays which pattern?
A) Spots and patterns resembling a leopard
B) Solid dark color
C) Scaleless body
D) Vertical stripes only
  • 28. How do you differentiate male and female Discus fish externally?
A) Males are larger
B) Difficult to distinguish externally
C) Females have brighter colors
D) Males have longer fins
  • 29. What is the importance of water hardness (GH) for Discus?
A) Water hardness is not important
B) Hard water is preferred
C) Extremely hard water is needed
D) Soft water is preferred
  • 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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