Corydoras vs Discus
Corydoras paleatus compared with Symphysodon discus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Corydoras | Discus |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Corydoras paleatus | Symphysodon discus |
| Order | Siluriformes | Cichliformes |
| Family | Callichthyidae | Cichlidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Corydoras | Discus |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 7.0 cm | 20.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.005 kg | 0.25 kg |
| Color | Pale olive-gray to greenish body with irregular dark olive to black marbled blotches and spots; a broad dark blotch at the dorsal fin base; belly is cream to white; fins spotted or barred. | Deep-bodied disc shape with vibrant turquoise-blue wavy horizontal lines over a reddish-brown to orange-brown base; fins edged in vivid blue with red striping; wild forms show 9 dark vertical bars. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Corydoras | Discus |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Freshwater |
| Depth Range | — | — |
| Geographic Range | Native to the La Plata River system and coastal rivers of southeastern Brazil, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina. Inhabits shallow streams, flooded meadows, and sandy-bottomed lagoons … | Restricted to the central Amazon River basin in Brazil, particularly around the confluence of the Rio Negro and Rio Solimões. Prefers warm, soft, highly acidic … |
| Habitat | Rivers and streams of the Río de la Plata basin in South America (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay). Inhabits clear-water streams over sandy and muddy bottoms. Active … | Warm, blackwater rivers of the Amazon basin, particularly the Rio Negro and tributaries. Prefers soft, acidic water (pH 4.5-6.5, 26-31°C) with driftwood and minimal current. … |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Corydoras | Discus |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 40 L | 250 L |
| Temperature | 22-26 | 26-30 |
| pH Range | 6.0-8.0 | 5.0-7.0 |
| Care Level | Easy | Difficult |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
Cuisine & Edibility
Corydoras
Not consumed — a small ornamental bottom-dwelling catfish beloved for its peaceful temperament and role as a substrate scavenger in community aquariums.
Discus
Not consumed — a prized ornamental aquarium fish known as the 'king of the aquarium' for its disc-shaped body and brilliant colors.
Species Overview
Corydoras
The peppered corydoras is a peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish native to South American rivers. It uses its barbels to sift through substrate for food and should be kept in groups of six or more. It can gulp atmospheric air in low-oxygen conditions.
Discus
The discus is often called the 'King of the Aquarium' for its disc-shaped body and stunning color patterns. Native to the Amazon floodplains, it requires warm, soft, acidic water and feeds its fry with a mucus secretion from its skin.