Buying Discus fish is not just a matter of picking out which fish look the prettiest or most colorful. Color and pattern are truly important for your own satisfaction, but there are more important factors to consider.
Most of the time you will be dealing with domestically bred discus instead of wild fish. There are now lots of discus breeders around the globe. You can find them locally if you or a friend knows someone who is an avid discus hobbyist, but there are numerous breeders who have very large operations. Most notably, there are some very well respected discus farms in the Far East. Places like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore have many breeders who sell internationally.
You can also still get wild Discus right from the waters of the Amazon River. There are some very trusted sources who "harvest" Discus from their natural habitat.
But let's assume that you find a fish store, a pet store, or even a local Discus fish keeper who just happens to have some Discus for sale.
What do you look for in addition to color and pattern when buying Discus fish?
* First, the fish should be active and inquisitive. It's possible for fish to look happy. Those are the kind you want. Try slowly putting your hand over the aquarium and see if they show interest, as if looking for you to feed them. If they do, this is a good sign.
* Ask the clerk or tank owner what the water conditions are. Discus aquariums should be slightly acidic (pH of around 6.0) and warm, about 77-85F (25-29C). If the person you are working with does not know these parameters, you probably should look for another source.
* Check the physical appearance of the fish. They should have a bright, round body. Dark fish with fins drawn tight to the body are not healthy. Likewise, fish who are retreating to the corners of the tank should be avoided.
* Discus should have nice bright eyes. Red eyes are good. Cloudy eyes are a sign of trouble.
* If you decide to take some of these Discus fish home with you, make sure you introduce them into your own tank quickly, but don't just dump them in. You more than likely will have a plastic bag with the new Discus in it. Simply float the bag on the surface of your tank for about 5 minutes, not any longer than that. Then untie the bag and gently submerge it into the tank. Allow your new fish to swim into their new home. Do not dump them.
Buying Discus fish that are happy and healthy is a great way to enjoy your discus fish tank for years to come.
Make sure you are familiar with all the guidelines for buying Discus Fish before your spend a penny. Look here: http://www.livediscusfish.com/
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