Discus fish can grow up to 5.4 inches. The color and patterns on the body are striking and varied. Background colors range from shades of brown to orange and blue. Patterns include vertical bars and wavy, closely spaced, discontinuous horizontal stripes. These markings can be black or blue and are sometimes edged with red or another color. This species acquired its name from the shape of its body which is strongly compressed laterally and nearly circular.
They can be found in the Amazon River Basin in lakes, deep streams and shallow-water areas. Their habitats consist of muddy bottoms, live plants and roots.
The Discus fish primarily eat insects, larvae and planktonic invertebrates.
These fish are normally found in small schools but they are territorial during breeding season. Males and females form breeding pairs that work together to prepare a nesting site on vertical surfaces such as a fallen tree or roots. The female then passes over the best several times and releases eggs with the male following closely behind to fertilize them.