Photographing Discus: A Smartphone Guide to Capturing Aquarium Royalty

Discus fish are often called the “Kings of the Aquarium” for good reason.

Their round bodies, flowing fins, and stunning color patterns make them a favorite subject for aquarists.

Photographing discus, however, is not always simple.

They are shy, they move constantly, and their vibrant colors can look washed out or blurry if your camera settings are off. With some preparation and a few practical techniques, you can capture their beauty using nothing more than a smartphone.

Why Discus Are a Unique Challenge

Unlike small, darting fish, discus glide slowly but never really stop moving. Their circular body shape and iridescent colors reflect light differently from angles, often causing glare or overexposure.

Because they’re sensitive fish, sudden movements, bright flashes, or tapping the glass can stress them—making photographing discus even harder.

All of this means you’ll need a bit of patience and planning to get results worth showing off.

Preparing the Tank

Cleanliness matters more with discus than with many other fish. Their graceful swimming and bold colors deserve a spotless stage. Before you even reach for your phone to begin photographing discus, take a few steps to prepare:

*  Clean the inside glass to remove algae or debris.

*  Do a large water change to eliminate discoloration that your eyes might miss but your camera will catch.

*  Polish the outside glass carefully. Even faint water spots show up in close-up discus shots.

*  Optimize filtration by running a fine floss filter pad for an hour or two to polish the water.

A crystal-clear environment ensures the camera focuses on your discus, not on floating particles or smudges—an essential step in photographing discus successfully.

Lighting for Discus Photography

Discus colors shift dramatically under different lighting. Reds may appear dull in dim light, while blues and greens can look washed out under direct glare. Consider these lighting strategies when photographing discus:

Aquarium lights only:

Often best for capturing natural colors, especially when paired with a darkened room.

Avoid direct sunlight:

It creates reflections and uneven shadows.

Try side lighting:

A small lamp positioned off to the side (not shining directly into the glass) can add depth without glare.

Experiment with timing:

Early morning or evening aquarium lighting often brings out the richest colors.

Many aquarists find that photographing discus works best when the room is dim and the tank lights are the only illumination.

Using Burst Mode

Discus rarely stay still, even when calm. Burst mode on your smartphone is your best friend when photographing discus:

iPhone: Hold the volume-up button in the camera app to capture a rapid series of shots.

Android: Hold the shutter button or enable continuous shot mode in the camera settings.

Later, you can scroll through the burst and select the perfect frame—the one where fins are fully extended, eyes are clear, and the fish is positioned just right. This technique is especially helpful when photographing discus in motion.

Composition and Backgrounds

Discus look especially striking when photographed with careful composition.

To elevate your results when photographing discus:

Use the rule of thirds. Instead of centering the fish, place them slightly off-center to create a more dynamic image.

Simple backgrounds: A black or deep blue background makes colors pop. Avoid cluttered aquascapes that pull attention away from the discus.

Group shots vs. individuals: A single discus against plants emphasizes detail, while a school of discus in formation showcases their natural grace.

Working Around Smartphone Limitations

Smartphone cameras are powerful, but they do have weaknesses compared to DSLRs—especially when photographing discus:

Dynamic range:

Bright highlights and dark shadows may not both capture detail. Position your lighting to reduce contrast.

Low light performance:

Discus tanks often need dimmer conditions. Be prepared for some noise (graininess) in low-light shots.

Fixed aperture:

This limits depth of field, making it hard to blur backgrounds like you could with a DSLR. Use composition tricks instead.

Zoom quality:

Digital zoom reduces sharpness. If you need close-ups while photographing discus, move the phone physically closer rather than zooming in.

Recognizing these limitations will help you adjust expectations and focus on what smartphones do best—quick, spontaneous, colorful captures.

Patience Pays Off

Discus are not instant photo subjects. They may hide when you approach or turn their backs to the camera.

To improve your odds when photographing discus:

Spend time near the tank so they get used to your presence.
Photograph after feeding, when they are calm and displaying fins.
Take dozens of shots in each session—great discus photos often come from persistence, not luck.

The aquarist who spends five or ten minutes working with their fish will almost always come away with stronger images than someone snapping one or two shots.

Post-Processing Touches

Once you have your shots, a little editing goes a long way—especially when photographing discus:

*  Crop to center the discus and remove distractions.

*  Adjust brightness and contrast to recover details lost to glare.

*  Correct color balance if the fish appear too green or too blue.

*  Sharpen slightly to bring out fine detail.

Many free apps, like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile, make these adjustments quick and easy.

I’ve got to say…

Photographing discus is equal parts art and patience.

With a clean tank, thoughtful lighting, burst mode, and good composition, you can capture images that truly honor their reputation as “Kings of the Aquarium.”

While smartphones have limitations, they also make it easy to experiment and take dozens of shots until you find the perfect one.

For aquarists, that balance of challenge and reward mirrors the discus-keeping hobby itself—demanding, but always worth it.