The discus is native to the Amazon and its tributaries. The discus is currently recognized as having two species and five subspecies. Although there are 5 subspecies of discus, many discus experts believe that there is only one specie with many color variations.
Resent studies being done on the DNA of discus seem to support the one species theory.
Today most of the discus found in aquarium trade are domesticated, man developed color strains. It has almost become a rarity to find wild caught discus for sale. Wild caught discus are less hardy than domestic bred discus and they often carry diseases. Wild caught discus should only be kept by experienced discus keepers, and should be quarantined for eight weeks before you add them to your show tank. Discus are easy to keep as long as you provide the right water conditions.