Discus vs Great White Shark
Symphysodon discus compared with Carcharodon carcharias
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Discus | Great White Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Symphysodon discus | Carcharodon carcharias |
| Order | Cichliformes | Lamniformes |
| Family | Cichlidae | Lamnidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Discus | Great White Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 20.0 cm | 600.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.25 kg | 1905.0 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. | Classic countershaded coloration: slate-gray to charcoal-brown dorsal surface with a sharply defined boundary to a pure white ventral surface; pectoral fin tips dusky to black. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Discus | Great White Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | — | 0-1280m |
| 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 … | Cosmopolitan in cool to warm coastal and offshore waters of all major oceans. Key aggregation sites include South Africa, California, South Australia, and New Zealand. … |
| 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. … | Neritic, estuaries |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Discus | Great White Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 250 L | — |
| Temperature | 26-30 | — |
| pH Range | 5.0-7.0 | — |
| Care Level | Difficult | — |
| Temperament | Peaceful | — |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Discus | Great White Shark |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | No | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | — |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
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.
Great White Shark
Edible but rarely consumed; flesh requires careful handling to remove ammonia. Consumption is strongly discouraged — this species is Vulnerable and protected in many jurisdictions.
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.
Great White Shark
The great white shark is the world's largest predatory fish. Found in coastal surface waters of all major oceans, it can detect a single drop of blood in 100 liters of water. Despite its fearsome reputation, attacks on humans are rare.