Symphysodon aequifasciata
Heckel Discus
Heckel Discus
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Remarks: Heckel discus are one of the most colorful, challenging to keep, and oldest known wild discus variants. They display vibrant yellows, oranges, greens, and blues that vary in amount and pattern depending on the exact locality they are sourced from. Typically Heckel discus are identified by the particularly wide and dark band that runs down the center of their body that is particularly round even for a discus. Care should be taken in regards to water parameters as these discus are wild and much less tolerant of incorrect water parameters. For the best chance at being successful, keep them in very soft, acidic, warm water and perform frequent water changes.
Discus are often referred to as the king of aquarium fish. This nickname arose from the sheer beauty of these fish along with their reputation for being difficult to care for making those who keep them successfully revered within the hobby. It being difficult to keep discus was an opinion developed when majority of specimens available were wild caught. With most now being captive bred and even line bred to produce many different color variants such as turquoise and pigeon blood, they are much more hardy. That being said, discus still require very clean, soft, acidic water with little to no nitrates and warm temperatures.
These peaceful cichlids tend to be timid, especially when it comes to feeding, so they shouldn't be kept with overly boisterous or aggressive fish. Typically their mouths are very small, but once they reach adulthood they are capable of swallowing very tiny fish so this should also be considered when choosing tankmates. If attempting to breed discus, lots of vertical surfaces should be provided for them to lay their eggs on and it should be noted they can become territorial when spawning. Once the fry hatch and are free-swimming, both parents show an incredible form of parental care in which they feed their fry by allowing them to eat their slime coat. This behavior is an amazing sight and makes breeding discus very enjoyable.
Animal Data
Animal Data
- Native to: South America
- Breeding: Wild-caught in Colombia
- Max adult size: 7-8"
- Diet: Omnivore
- Social behavior: Moderate
- Care skill: Advanced
Tank Parameters
Tank Parameters
- Temp range: 78°F - 84°F
- pH range: 5.5 - 6.5
- GH range: 0 ppm - 100 ppm
- Min Tank Size: 90 gal
Shipping Info
Shipping Info
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
US East | UPS Next Day Air | $39.99 |
US Central | UPS Next Day Air | $49.99 |
US West | UPS Next Day Air | $59.99 |
Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
Canada | UPS 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
Florida | UPS Next Day Ground | $19.99 |
Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
No overseas shipping |
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
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We've been packing and shipping live fish for over 50 years. When you buy from us, you get the healthiest stock and most experienced live fish shipping in the industry. So you know you won't be disappointed!
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Ordering FAQs
Will my fish look like the picture?
The majority of fish on our website will NOT look like their photos upon their unboxing. Fish change in appearance depending on many factors, including mood, age, gender, and social status. Fish will naturally lose color during shipping and may appear faded upon arrival. Pictures are used as examples only. Pictures may be of mature fish with full color or juvenile fish without color. We encourage you to research the species as much as possible prior to ordering in order to familiarize yourself with the various appearances they may take on. Many species have females that look drastically different to their male counterparts, and many juveniles will not have as much color (or different colors) as their adult forms. If you have questions about how the fish will look, please review their information and email us if you have any questions.
How do I know which fish can go together in my tank?
Research the product descriptions on our website and use Google search to help decide which fish can go together. PLEASE do your research and email us if you have any questions. Also, we have a very active Facebook group called Imperial Tropicals Fishkeepers where you can learn from knowledgable and experienced fishkeepers.
How do you ship live fish? Sounds risky!
We've been shipping live fish for over 50 years. we use specialized packaging and techniques to ensure their health. See how we do it.
How much does shipping cost?
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
US East | UPS Next Day Air | $39.99 |
US Central | UPS Next Day Air | $49.99 |
US West | UPS Next Day Air | $59.99 |
Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
Canada | UPS 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
Florida | UPS Next Day Ground | $19.99 |
Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
No overseas shipping |
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
When will I get my order?
We need 2-4 days to select and pack your fish, you'll get a notification when it ships along with tracking info. It will arrive the next day or day after, depending on your location. See our Shipping Policy for full info.
What if my order is delayed? Will my fish be OK?
We ship hundreds of packages a week, and most are delivered without any issues thanks to our experienced team and premium air courier service. Our high-tech packaging is designed to sustain the animals a minimum of 2-3 days in the box, and in some cases longer, depending on the breed.
However, sometimes delays do occur. If this happens to your order, please document and contact us promptly following our inspection and documentation policies above in order to receive credit.
Can I change or cancel my order after it is placed?
Orders can be changed or cancelled within 24 hours, subject to a 10% restocking fee. Shipping is stressful for the animals and we cannot open boxes once they have been prepped and packed.
Can you hold my order until my tank is ready?
We can hold for a few days, but not beyond a week as inventory changes rapidly. Please only place your order when you know you will be ready to receive them.
What if my order is missing something?
First, please check the box and packaging thoroughly. If you are sure an item is missing please contact us immediately.
Do you offer pickup on local orders?
Yes! Just specify local pickup as your shipping option in checkout and we'll let you know when it is ready.
What if a fish I receive seems dead, sick or doesn't look right?
97% of our orders arrive without an issue. But if something goes wrong, no worries! You're covered under our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee