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Symphysodon heckel, commonly known as the Heckel Diskus, is a species of cichlid native to the Amazon River basin. It is renowned for its distinctive vertical barring, particularly the prominent fifth bar (Heckel bar), and its generally more elongated body shape compared to other Symphysodon species. These fish are highly prized in the aquarium trade for their beauty and challenging care requirements.
Körperliche Merkmale
- Körperform
- compressed
- Färbung
- Base coloration varies from reddish-brown to yellowish-brown, often with iridescent blue or green hues. Characterized by 9 prominent vertical stress bars, with the 5th bar (Heckel bar) being notably thicker and darker, extending from the dorsal fin to the anal fin. Fins often have red or blue edging. Wild specimens typically exhibit less vibrant coloration than captive-bred varieties.
- Schuppentyp
- ctenoid
- Maulstellung
- terminal
- Besondere Merkmale
- Prominent, thick 5th vertical bar (Heckel bar), More elongated body shape compared to other Discus species, Reddish-brown to yellowish-brown base color with iridescent blue/green sheen, Small, protractile mouth
- Rückenflosse
- Long and continuous, extending almost the entire length of the back, with 9-14 spines and 27-33 soft rays.
- Schwanzflosse
- Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin.
- Brustflosse
- Small and rounded, positioned low on the body.
- Auffällige Flossen
- Anal fin is long and continuous, mirroring the dorsal fin, with 9-14 spines and 27-33 soft rays. Pelvic fins are elongated and filamentous.
Bestimmungstipps
Heckel Bar
The most definitive feature is the thick, dark, and prominent 5th vertical bar, which is significantly wider and darker than the other eight stress bars. This bar extends from the dorsal fin to the anal fin.
Body Shape
Compared to other Symphysodon species, S. heckel tends to have a slightly more elongated body, though still highly compressed and disc-shaped.
Coloration
Wild Heckel Discus often display a more subdued reddish-brown to yellowish-brown base color, with iridescent blue or green highlights, especially on the head and fins. The red pigmentation is often more intense in the anal and dorsal fins.
Lebensraum
- Wassertyp
- freshwater
- Tiefe
- Typically found in shallow, slow-moving waters, often less than 2 meters deep.
- Umgebung
- Prefers blackwater rivers, tributaries, and flooded forests (igapós) with dense submerged vegetation, fallen leaves, and driftwood. The water is typically soft, acidic, and stained dark by tannins.
- Geografische Verbreitung
- Native to the central Amazon River basin, primarily found in the Rio Negro and its tributaries, as well as the Trombetas, Abacaxis, and Urubu rivers in Brazil.
Aquarieninformationen
- Pflegeaufwand: advanced
- Temperament: peaceful
- Ernährung: omnivore
- Mindestbeckengröße: 75 gallons (280 liters) for a group of 5-6 individuals
- Temperatur: 27-31°C (80-88°F)
- pH-Wert: 5.0-6.5
- Härte: 1-4 dGH (soft to very soft)
- Verträglichkeit: Best kept in species-specific tanks or with other peaceful, soft, acidic water-loving fish like cardinal tetras, rummy-nose tetras, and dwarf cichlids. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.
- Besondere Anforderungen: Requires pristine water quality with regular large water changes, a stable environment, and a varied diet. Sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters and stress. Prefers dimly lit tanks with plenty of hiding spots (driftwood, plants).
Informationen zum Wildbestand
- Erhaltungszustand: least concern
- Saisonalität: Breeding in the wild is often tied to the rainy season, with increased water levels and food availability.
- Marktpreis: Highly variable, from $50 to $300+ per fish depending on size, coloration, and origin.
- Kommerzielle Bedeutung: high
- Geschmack: Not typically consumed due to their value as ornamental fish.
- Textur: Not typically consumed due0 to their value as ornamental fish.
- Nährwert: Not typically consumed due to their value as ornamental fish.
Wichtige Fakten
The Heckel Barbehavior
The most defining characteristic of Symphysodon heckel is its prominent, thick 5th vertical bar, often referred to as the 'Heckel bar'. This feature is crucial for distinguishing it from other Discus species.
Blackwater Specialistinteresting
Heckel Diskus are primarily found in the highly acidic, soft, and tannin-stained blackwater rivers of the Amazon, making them particularly sensitive to water quality in captivity.
Parental Carebehavior
Like all Discus species, Heckel Diskus exhibit remarkable parental care, with both parents guarding the eggs and fry, and the fry feeding on a nutritious mucous secreted from the parents' skin.
Wild vs. Domesticatedinteresting
Wild-caught Heckel Diskus are often more challenging to acclimate to aquarium life due to their specific water parameter requirements and susceptibility to stress, compared to their tank-bred counterparts.
Sicherheitsinformationen
Sicher- Sicherheitsstufe: safe
- Giftig: Nein
- Essbarkeit: not recommended
- Hinweise zum Umgang: Heckel Diskus are delicate fish. Handle with extreme care to avoid stress, injury, or removal of their protective slime coat. Use soft nets or plastic bags for transfer. Avoid direct contact with hands if possible.
Ähnliche Arten
Green Discus
Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Lacks the prominent, thick 5th vertical bar of S. heckel. Typically has a greenish base coloration with red spotting or striations, and all nine vertical bars are usually of similar thickness and intensity.
Blue Discus
Symphysodon haraldi
Also lacks the distinct Heckel bar. Generally exhibits a blue base coloration with varying patterns of red or blue striations. All vertical bars are typically of similar thickness.
Brown Discus
Symphysodon tarzoo
Similar to S. haraldi in lacking the prominent Heckel bar. Characterized by a brownish base color, often with red spots or striations, particularly on the body and fins. The vertical bars are usually uniform.
Wissenschaftliche Klassifikation
- Reich
- Animalia
- Stamm
- Chordata
- Klasse
- Actinopterygii
- Ordnung
- Cichliformes
- Familie
- Cichlidae
- Gattung
- Symphysodon
- Art
- Symphysodon heckel
Heckel Diskus entdecken
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