Discus and Percula Clownfish Compatibility Overview
Discus and Percula Clownfish are generally not recommended to be housed together. One of these is a marine species and the other is not; they cannot share one aquarium. Their ranges meet only at 82โ82ยฐF, which leaves no margin for a heater drifting or a warm room. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Discus | Percula Clownfish | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 82โ88ยฐF | 74โ82ยฐF | โ ๏ธ 82โ82ยฐF (narrow) |
| pH Range | 5.0โ7.0 | 8.1โ8.4 | โ No overlap |
| Temperament | semi | semi | โ ๏ธ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 8 in | 3.0 in | โ ๏ธ 2.7ร difference |
| Min. Group | 5+ | 2+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Discus โ Symphysodon spp.
The 'king of the aquarium' โ beautiful but demanding. Requires very warm, soft, acidic water that excludes most community fish.
Percula Clownfish โ Amphiprion percula
The Percula Clownfish, also known as the False Percula, is a popular beginner fish due to its hardiness and striking coloration. These fish are best kept in a saltwater tank with a minimum size of 30 gallons and compatible tankmates. They are peaceful, non-aggressive and do well in groups with other compatible species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Discus live with Percula Clownfish?
Generally not recommended. Discus and Percula Clownfish are generally not recommended to be housed together. One of these is a marine species and the other is not; they cannot share one aquarium. Their ranges meet only at 82โ82ยฐF, which leaves no margin for a heater drifting or a warm room. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
What tank size do I need for Discus and Percula Clownfish together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Discus and Percula Clownfish together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Discus and Percula Clownfish?
82โ82ยฐF (narrow) โ inside Discus's 82โ88ยฐF and Percula Clownfish's 74โ82ยฐF.
Is a Discus aggressive toward a Percula Clownfish?
Discus is semi and Percula Clownfish is semi. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Discus and Percula Clownfish
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 100 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 150 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 220 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |