Discus vs Whale Shark

Symphysodon discus 与之比较 Rhincodon typus

Taxonomy & Classification

属性	Discus	Whale Shark
学名	Symphysodon discus	Rhincodon typus
目	Cichliformes	Orectolobiformes
科	Cichlidae	Rhincodontidae
Conservation Status	Least Concern	Endangered

Physical Traits

属性	Discus	Whale Shark
最大体长	20.0 cm	1800.0 cm
最大体重	0.25 kg	21500.0 kg
体色	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 gray to blue-gray back covered with a distinctive checkerboard grid of pale white or cream spots and transverse stripes; belly white; the unique spot pattern is unique to each individual.

Habitat & Environment

属性	Discus	Whale Shark
水质类型	Freshwater	Saltwater
栖息水深	—	0-1928m
地理分布	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 …	Pantropical in open oceanic and coastal waters between 30°N and 35°S. Aggregates seasonally at feeding sites including Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, the Gulf of …
栖息地	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, coral reefs

Aquarium Suitability

属性	Discus	Whale Shark
最小水箱尺寸	250 L	—
水温	26-30	—
pH 范围	5.0-7.0	—
饲养难度	Difficult	—
性情	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.

Whale Shark

Endangered species — consumption is strongly discouraged and illegal in many countries. Historically consumed in parts of Asia; now internationally protected under CITES Appendix II.

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.

Whale Shark

The whale shark is the largest living fish species, reaching lengths of up to 18 meters. Despite its enormous size, it is a gentle filter feeder that consumes plankton, fish eggs, and small fish by swimming with its wide mouth open.