Discus vs Electric Eel
Symphysodon discus compared with Electrophorus electricus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Discus | Electric Eel |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Symphysodon discus | Electrophorus electricus |
| Order | Cichliformes | Gymnotiformes |
| Family | Cichlidae | Gymnotidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Discus | Electric Eel |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 20.0 cm | 250.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.25 kg | 20.0 kg |
| Color | 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. | Dark olive-gray to grayish-brown cylinder-shaped body with a pale yellowish-orange throat and chin; back uniformly dark; scaleless skin has a smooth appearance; long ribbon-like anal fin is pinkish. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Discus | Electric Eel |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Freshwater |
| Depth Range | — | — |
| Geographic Range | 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 … | Native to the Orinoco and Amazon river basins in Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil. Inhabits murky, oxygen-depleted floodplain pools, swamps, and slow-moving streams in lowland … |
| Habitat | 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. … | Estuaries |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Discus | Electric Eel |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 250 L | — |
| Temperature | 26-30 | — |
| pH Range | 5.0-7.0 | — |
| Care Level | Difficult | — |
| Temperament | Peaceful | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Discus
Not consumed — a prized ornamental aquarium fish known as the 'king of the aquarium' for its disc-shaped body and brilliant colors.
Electric Eel
Not consumed — an ornamental and scientific novelty species kept in specialized aquarium exhibits; edible in principle but extremely dangerous to handle due to powerful electric discharge.
Species Overview
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.
Electric Eel
Despite its name, the electric eel is not a true eel but a knifefish. It can generate electrical discharges of up to 860 volts to stun prey and defend itself. About 80% of its body is dedicated to three electric organs.