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The contents of Bleher's Discus — The Monography are as follows:
A never before seen and comprehensive study of the genus  Whether it was the Emperor Napoleon or Prince von Metternich who was responsible for the original discovery of the discus is something the reader himself must decide, but the rest of this more than 800 pages work is far from ambivalent.
 In the first chapters Heiko Bleher guides you through the centuries through more than 150 years of discovery, documented in finest detail. He brings to life all the scientists who have worked on the genus — with in part unpublished work and photos — and, after almost half a century of debate regarding the systematics, provides a new and easy-to-understand summary of the taxonomy.
 The distribution of the genus and the individual species is shown practically down to the smallest Igarape or Ingo, on eight double-page maps. For the first time with precise details of water colour, researched in the field. In the fourth chapter Bleher covers all the wild forms known to date (some hitherto unpublished) and their colour variants, in words and photos — the results of his more than 300 research and collecting expeditions. The locality data have been extensively checked in the field over the years up to 2004.
 In Chapter 5 he guides the reader through the history of Amazonia — back to the time of its discovery — and tells extensively about the early history of the regions and the numerous Indian tribes (mainly personal experiences among the aboriginals). In addition the natural habitats of the discus are described and illustrated, with water parameters (measured by both day and night) given for 75 different locations; almost every major water in Amazonia is mentioned at length, with details of which form(s) do or do not occur there; and places that remain unexplored to date are listed. He also details the diet of the discus in nature, the communities of which it forms part and its enemies, as well as the various methods of capture used from the beginning to the present day.
 In Chapter 6 he covers the very first breeders, their work and experiences; Schmidt Focke's work (to date partially unpublished); and — at length — the breeders of the last 50 years all around the world, including their (breeding) secrets. In the seventh chapter he discusses the captive-bred variants from four continents and the latest colour "fads". The eighth chapter tells of the beginnings of discus classification for aquarium hobby purposes and the initial judging at international championships. The latter are extensively described and illustrated, with information on the various judging methods worldwide. In conclusion Bleher emphasises the need for uniform judging globally.
 Suggestions for optimal aquarium maintenance — true to nature and biotope, and much more — are given in Chapter 9, based on the author's almost 50 years of experience.
 In the final chapter he analyses the future of the discus. Recent data from the wild — from the entire distribution area — are summarised, and the chances of survival in the aquarium — in whatever form — evaluated. And in conclusion, discus clubs, the Internet, and discus products are covered at some length.
Bleher's Discus is far more than just a discus book...
it is a book for everyone!
Available now from our online shop.
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