Discus vs Red Drum
Symphysodon discus compared with Sciaenops ocellatus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Discus | Red Drum |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Symphysodon discus | Sciaenops ocellatus |
| Order | Cichliformes | Perciformes |
| Family | Cichlidae | Sciaenidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Discus | Red Drum |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 20.0 cm | 155.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.25 kg | 45.0 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. | Coppery-bronze to reddish-orange flanks with a characteristic black eyespot at the upper tail base; back is darker bronze-olive; belly pale to silvery; fins match body tone with dusky margins. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Discus | Red Drum |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Freshwater & Saltwater |
| Depth Range | — | 10-?m |
| 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 … | Western North Atlantic from Massachusetts south through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Adults favor open nearshore reefs and coastal surf zones while juveniles inhabit … |
| 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 | Red Drum |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 250 L | — |
| Temperature | 26-30 | — |
| pH Range | 5.0-7.0 | — |
| Care Level | Difficult | — |
| Temperament | Peaceful | — |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Discus | Red Drum |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | No | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 7/10 |
| 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.
Red Drum
Firm, white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and moderate fat; smaller fish (under 27 inches) are the best table size. Famous as 'blackened redfish' — a Louisiana Cajun culinary classic.
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.
Red Drum
The red drum, or redfish, is an iconic inshore game fish of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Identified by the distinctive black spot at the base of its tail, it feeds by tipping head-down in shallow water, exposing its copper-colored tail.