VERY clean water with frequent large volume water changes is necessary for the health of these fish. The water should be very soft and acidic a pH of 5.5 - 6.5 is considered good for wild caught discus.Ĭaptive bred fish adapt very well to harder water and to pH up to 7.2, except when attempting to breed, in which case soft and acidic is best. Babies and young fish should be maintained at 31 C degrees. They often become susceptible to disease and die if not kept in optimal conditions.Īquariums for discus should be kept within a temperature range of 26-31 C a temperature of 29 C is thought ideal for adults. Many aquarists consider discus to be finicky and not particularly hardy. Catfish with sucker mouths are less than ideal cohabitants for discus since they sometimes attach themselves on the sides of discus and eat their mucus membranes. It is noteworthy, however, that small fish may be intimidated or eaten by the discus. The best cohabitants may be angelfish and small characides like tetras.

They are sensitive to stress and disturbance or lack of protection. The red turquoise discus diet is Hikari frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and homemade beefheart mix.ĭiscus are shy and generally peaceful aquarium inhabitants. This striped turquoise has been a long time favorite of discus hobbyists. Sometimes they are referred to as striped turquoise discus. Discus are very popular amongst intermediate to advanced fish keepers, and are widely considered to be one of the most rewarding and challenging to keep of the freshwater tropical community fish species available within the hobby.The red turquoise discus has big, bold stripes.

Over the years breeders have not only raised enough tank-bred specimens to largely fulfill the demand from the aquarium hobby, but have developed completely new color strains and patterns as well. Due to their popularity and the high price tag that they command, Discus are very popular with fish breeders. Ever since their introduction into the hobby to this day, Discus are considered one of the most colorful, demanding, rewarding and expensive of all tropical freshwater aquarium fish species. Red Turquoise Discus originate from the Amazon River Systems of South America, where they were first imported into the aquarium hobby in the early 1930s. A novice fish keeper will have better success with Discus that are larger than 3 inches in size. They can be a shy fish, because of this the aquarium should not be placed in high traffic areas where people are always walking by. They are not difficult to keep as long as water parameters and temperature are to their liking. At two weeks of age they will start to accept finely ground flake food or baby brine shrimp.Īdditional Information: There are almost too may different color variations of Discus with new ones coming out all the time. Fry are best kept with the parents as they will eat the slime that the parents secrete. Sexing: Venting is the best way to sex Discus.īreeding: Discus will lay their eggs on broad leaved plants like Amazon Swords or almost any vertical flat surface that is to their liking. Hole-in-the-head disease (HITH) is associated with poor water quality and feeding tubifex. Tubifex carries too many pathogens and the risk of introducing disease to your Discus is too great a risk. They WILL eat a broad range of foods from flakes, small pellets, frozen, and live worms along with brine shrimp, but not always on the first attempt. Tank mates that eat the food that you want them to eat will encourage Discus to eat it also. Discus can be quite particular when it comes to food, but can be trained to readily accept almost any type of food. Wild Discus require pH 6.0 – 6.5 while tank raised Discus can go all the way up to 8.0 pH.įeeding: When purchasing, always ask what they are being fed. The best thing is to simulate the conditions your Discus were raised in. Water Chemistry: Juvenile and wild F1 Discus generally require softer water and a lower pH than tank raised Discus.

Temperature: 82 – 88 Deg F / 28 – 30 Deg C They do best when kept as a group of 6 or more. American dwarf cichlid species and tetras. Recommended Minimum Aquarium Capacity: 40 gallon / 160 litreĬompatibility: Discus are a very peaceful fish and should be kept with other peaceful fish like some of the S. Typical Tank Setup: Well planted with driftwood / bogwood and some rock work. Scientific Name: Symphysodon Aequifaciatus sp.Īverage Adult Fish Size: 8 inches / 20 cm Common Name: Red Turquoise Discus, Discus

Red turquoise discus