Discus vs Wels Catfish
Symphysodon discus compared with Silurus glanis
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Discus | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Symphysodon discus | Silurus glanis |
| Order | Cichliformes | Siluriformes |
| Family | Cichlidae | Siluridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Discus | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 20.0 cm | 500.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.25 kg | 300.0 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-green to slate-gray back with irregular mottled marbling of darker blotches; flanks grade to olive-yellow; scaleless smooth skin; belly pale cream to yellowish-white; head broad and flat. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Discus | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Brackish |
| Depth Range | — | 0-30m |
| 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 large river systems and lakes of central and eastern Europe from the Rhine basin east to the Caspian and Aral sea drainages. Introduced … |
| 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. … | Large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across Europe and Asia (Volga, Danube, Rhine, Ob). Inhabits deep, slow-moving freshwater with soft substrates. Tolerates turbid water (15-25°C). Highly … |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Discus | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 250 L | — |
| Temperature | 26-30 | — |
| pH Range | 5.0-7.0 | — |
| Care Level | Difficult | — |
| Temperament | Peaceful | — |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Discus | Wels Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | No | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 9/10 |
| 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.
Wels Catfish
Fatty, soft flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavor; quality improves from cold, clean water fish. Popular in Central European cuisines — commonly smoked, fried, or braised with vegetables.
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.
Wels Catfish
The wels catfish is the largest freshwater fish in Europe, capable of exceeding 5 meters. Found in large rivers and lakes across the continent, it has been documented beaching itself to catch pigeons. It can live over 80 years.