Culture of discus fish (Symphysodon spp.)

In this study, reproduction properties (partner selection, reproduction behaviours, sex determination, spawning periods, fecundity, hatching rates, phases of the embryonic and larval development) of discus fish (Symphysodon spp.) which has a high economic value were examined. In three years study, the effects of different water temperature to spawning, periodicity of spawning, fecundity, hatching rates and incubation of the discus fish were determined. In addition, artificial hatching experiments were carried out as an alternative method to parental care is commonly used in commercial production.Consequently, it was determined that optimum water temperature for discus fish culture is 28-30oC and, artificial hatching method was more advantageous than parental care method regarding to spawning periodicity of adults, incubation and hatching ratio of eggs. Adults were spawned in parental care method per 35-44 days and in artificial hatching method per 6-16 days. The study showed that, a couple of mature fish spawned between 72 and 258 eggs in one reproduction period and hatching ratio is varied between 59-80%. Incubation occurred in mean 28,30±0,04oC in 54 hours as a minimum and in 62 hours as a maximum. The mouth opening of the larvae was formed in 3rd day and they were started to feed with mucus on the parents? bodies in 4th day. One month old larvae formed like their parents in respect to fin and body form in contrast to colour. Fishes reached to market length (4-4,5 cm) in three months. It is detected that they laid eggs after partner selection at the end of 13-14 months.