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