Discus vs Summer Flounder
Symphysodon discus compared with Paralichthys dentatus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Discus | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Symphysodon discus | Paralichthys dentatus |
| Order | Cichliformes | Pleuronectiformes |
| Family | Cichlidae | Paralichthyidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Discus | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 20.0 cm | 94.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.25 kg | 12.0 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. | Eyed side is brownish to gray-green with a mottled pattern of pale blotches; 12–14 distinct pale-edged dark ocelli (eyespots) scattered across the body; blind side is plain white; color changes with substrate. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Discus | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | — | 10-183m |
| 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 Nova Scotia south to Florida and the northern Gulf of Mexico. Undertakes seasonal offshore migration to deeper Continental Shelf waters in … |
| 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, demersal, estuaries |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Discus | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 250 L | — |
| Temperature | 26-30 | — |
| pH Range | 5.0-7.0 | — |
| Care Level | Difficult | — |
| Temperament | Peaceful | — |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Discus | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | No | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 4/10 |
| 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.
Summer Flounder
Thin, delicate white fillets with a sweet, mild flavor and very low fat. Prized on the U.S. East Coast; superb pan-fried in butter, stuffed and baked, or prepared as ceviche.
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.
Summer Flounder
The summer flounder, or fluke, is a flatfish that lies camouflaged on the ocean floor. Born with eyes on both sides, one eye migrates to the left side during development. An ambush predator, it explodes upward to grab passing prey.