Orange-and-blue striped fish swimming in an aquarium, side view with tall dorsal fin visible
Two orange-and-white striped discus fish swimming in an aquarium tank.
Striped orange fish with dark vertical bands swimming near the sandy ocean floor at night.
  1. Orange-and-blue striped fish swimming in an aquarium, side view with tall dorsal fin visible
  2. Two orange-and-white striped discus fish swimming in an aquarium tank.
  3. Striped orange fish with dark vertical bands swimming near the sandy ocean floor at night.

Nhamunda Heckel Discus 4,5”- 5” Symphysodon discus)

$159.00

✔ 100% Live Arrival Guarantee
Overnight shipping via FedEx Priority Overnight, UPS Next Day Air or Southwest Cargo across the United States and Puerto Rico. If your fish doesn’t arrive alive and healthy, we issue store credit — no questions asked.

The Rio Negro Heckel Discus (4”) is a stunning, wild-caught Amazonian treasure famous for its bold central “Heckel bar” and intricate blue striations. A majestic, schooling centerpiece for the advanced aquarist running a warm, blackwater biotope.

20 in stock

SKU: AMZN-FISH-67 Categories: , , Brand:

Nhamunda Heckel Discus 4,5” – 5″ (Symphysodon discus) – The Crown Jewel of the Amazon

Experience the pinnacle of freshwater fishkeeping with the true Rio Negro Heckel Discus. Sourced directly from the blackwater rivers of the Amazon basin, the Symphysodon discus is universally recognized by its defining feature: the bold, distinctively thick fifth vertical bar (the “Heckel Bar”) running straight down the middle of its body. At 4 inches, these magnificent sub-adults are at the perfect stage to adapt to your aquarium and grow into breathtaking, plate-sized adults. Their base coloration features warm reddish-browns overlaid with stunning, intricate blue and turquoise striations that will only intensify as they mature. Keeping wild Heckel discus is a badge of honor for the advanced aquarist, requiring dedication to pristine, warm, and acidic blackwater conditions, but the reward is a truly regal centerpiece.

Rio Negro Heckel Discus 4” (Symphysodon discus) Key Features 

  • The Iconic Heckel Bar: Features the instantly recognizable, prominently dark center vertical bar that distinguishes true Heckel discus from other species.

  • Authentic Wild-Caught: Ethically sourced from the Rio Negro, bringing genuine wild genetics and natural behaviors into your biotope.

  • Intricate Striations: Displays a beautiful, naturally occurring pattern of blue and turquoise horizontal lines over a warm, earthy base.

  • Perfect 4-Inch Size: An ideal sub-adult size—robust enough to handle shipping well, yet young enough to properly adapt to captive water parameters and diets.

  • Majestic Schooling Behavior: Highly social cichlids that establish a fascinating pecking order and move with unparalleled grace when kept in groups.

Rio Negro Heckel Discus 4” (Symphysodon discus) Care Requirements

  • Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons for a small group of 5-6 individuals. Discus are highly social and must be kept in schools to feel secure and thrive.

  • Water Temperature: 82–86°F (28–30°C). They strictly require warmer water than most tropical fish.

  • pH Range: 4.0–6.0 (Strictly requires very soft, acidic water; blackwater extract or botanical tannins like Indian Almond leaves are highly recommended).

  • Diet: Carnivorous/Omnivorous. These wild-caught specimens are carefully transitioned, but require a high-quality, high-protein diet. Feed a mix of premium discus granules, beef heart mixes, and frozen foods like bloodworms and enriched brine shrimp.

  • Tank Mates: Must be kept with peaceful, heat-tolerant species. Excellent companions include Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Sterbai Corydoras, and peaceful dwarf cichlids like German Blue Rams.

Why Choose Our Rio Negro Heckel Discus 4” (Symphysodon discus)?

At Amazonia Tropical Fish LLC, we take the risk out of buying wild discus. Our 4″ Rio Negro Heckels undergo a rigorous, multi-week quarantine process. They are prophylactically treated for internal and external parasites and are verified to be eating aggressively before they are listed for sale. You are receiving premium, conditioned wild stock.

Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee

We safely ship our premium discus nationwide from our US-based facility using specialized, insulated packaging. Every order is fully covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

Weight 2 lbs
Dimensions 10 × 14 × 4 in
Size

Small, Medium, Large

Shipping & Care FAQ

Common questions about ordering, shipping, acclimation, and care. Have a different question? Contact us.

How long does fish shipping take?
All orders ship overnight via FedEx or UPS from our Philadelphia, PA facility. Most US addresses receive their fish within 16-24 hours of dispatch. We ship Monday through Wednesday to ensure fish arrive before weekend transit holds.
What is the Live Arrival Guarantee?
Every overnight shipment from Amazonia Tropical Fish LLC is covered by our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. If a fish arrives DOA, we provide store credit — photo documentation within 2 hours of delivery is required.
How do I acclimate fish from Amazoniafish.com to my aquarium?
Float the unopened bag in your aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize temperature. Then drip acclimate over 45-60 minutes using airline tubing (1-2 drops per second) into a holding container. Net the fish into your tank without adding bag water. Dim lights for the first 24 hours.
How are the fish packaged for overnight shipping?
Fish ship in oxygenated double-bagged plastic bags inside insulated styrofoam boxes with heat or cool packs depending on season. Fishes are bagged with proper water-to-fish ratio. Boxes are clearly marked LIVE FISH on all sides.
Are the fish quarantined before shipping?
All wild-caught and imported fish undergo a multi-week quarantine at our facility. Specimens are prophylactically treated for internal and external parasites and verified to be eating well before being offered for sale. Domestic strains are quarantined for at least 1 week.
What if a fish arrives dead (DOA)?
Take clear photos of the deceased fish in the unopened bag within 2 hours of delivery and email us. We process Live Arrival Guarantee claims same-day — store credit is refunded to your account.
Do you ship to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, or internationally?
We ship throughout the continental United States plus Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. International destinations are not supported due to live fish import regulations and shipping risks. We comply with Lacey Act and CITES regulations for all sales.
What water parameters should I prepare for my new fish?
Most South American tropical fish (angelfish, discus, apistogramma, tetras, corydoras) thrive in soft, slightly acidic water: pH 6.0-7.0, temperature 78-82°F. Specific parameters are listed in each product description. Wild-caught species benefit from blackwater botanicals (Indian Almond leaves, alder cones).
Do you offer wholesale or bulk pricing?
Yes — wholesale pricing is available for licensed retailers. Visit our wholesale page for details and bulk pricing on premium tropical fish.

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