Discus fish are very protective of their space so they need an ample re to grow and breed. The bigger the tank, the better. Consistency is the key. Do not allow abrupt highs and low in the temperature and pH levels of the water in the tank. This can put them in a shock. Following these simple steps will help you keep your discus fish away from stress thus giving them a healthier and longer life. Discus Fish prefer a tall sized tank. So, you will want to get a fish tank that is taller than longer. For example, you may want to get a tank that is 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. A 35 gallon tank is a good size for Discus Fish. But, you should try getting a larger fish tank. Also, with larger tanks, maintaining water quality is a lot easier than smaller tanks. You will need to be very patient and to follow the fish well, for those who do not know the differences between the male and the female, it would be very hard to discover its gender. Here are some points which can help you identify the gender of a discus fish. Male discus fish have thicker lips. Discus fish use their mouth to fend off any attackers. However, before you actually buy your first batch of discus fish, you need to keep in mind that you first need to understand the fish as well as their environment in order for you to successfully keep discus fish as pets and also keep them healthy and happy for a long time. First of all, you have to keep in mind that discus fish originated in the Amazon River basin. If the keeper says that they just fed the fish, then you should look for another place to buy a Discus Fish. As much as possible, you should buy an adult Discus Fish. This is highly recommended for first time owners of Discus Fish as adult Discus Fish costs lesser to maintain than juvenile ones. You need to remember that juvenile Discus Fish are far more sensitive to water quality and food quality than adult Discus Fish. Some would disagree saying that there are others more beautiful but that is just a matter of opinion, an opinion that millions of aquarium owners have made by owning a discus fish today. This mesmerizing fish though comes with a hefty price tag. Some sellers have been found to be selling their discus fish in the northern region of 250 dollars.