discus

Discus is a term used for two distinct things in common usage: a throwing implement in athletics and a genus of freshwater fish. The name reflects the circular, disk-like shape common to both items.

In track and field, the discus is a heavy, flat circular object used in the discus throw event. Official competition weights are 2 kilograms for men and 1 kilogram for women. The implement is typically around 22 centimeters in diameter and has a rim to help grip and spin. It is thrown from a throwing circle with a diameter of 2.5 meters, and athletes use either a spinning or standard technique to achieve distance. The sport dates to ancient Greece and was adopted into modern athletics in the late 19th century. The men’s world record is 74.08 meters, set by Jürgen Schult in 1986, while the women’s record stands at 76.80 meters, set by Gabriele Reinsch in 1988. Competition emphasizes technique, balance, and consistency over extreme power.

Discus also refers to a group of tropical freshwater fishes in the genus Symphysodon, known collectively as discus. These cichlids are native to the Amazon basin in South America and are prized in aquariums for their round, laterally compressed bodies and vivid coloration. Species include Symphysodon discus, S. aequifasciatus, and S. haraldi. In captivity, discus prefer soft, warm, clean water and a varied diet; they are often kept in groups and require stable conditions. Breeding involves careful pairing and parental care, with eggs laid on a flat surface and fry raised by the parents.