The wild Heckel Discus fish has a round, flat body and a distinctive pattern of vertical stripes that are a deep shade of blue or black, with alternating lighter bands. The fish can grow up to 10 inches in length and can live for up to 10 years in captivity with proper care.

In the wild, the Heckel Discus fish inhabits slow-moving rivers and floodplains in the Amazon Basin, where it feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and insects. It is a shy and peaceful fish that prefers to live in schools or small groups, and is known to form strong pair bonds with a mate.