Discus Fish | Essential considerations before purchase

Key Factors to Ensure Healthy Discus Fish

Before proceeding with the purchase of discus fish, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you choose healthy, vibrant specimens:

Cleanliness is Key

The breeder’s setup must be immaculate. This applies to all tanks, whether they house discus or other species like tetras, barbs, or labyrinth fish.

Water Parameters

Learn the water parameters from the breeder and gradually adjust your aquarium to match these values. Once stabilized, you’re ready to purchase.

Choosing a Color Variant

Take your time to observe the fish closely, which could take up to half an hour. Opt for active fish and display their colours vividly, as this indicates good health.

Discus fish come in a stunning array of colour variations, each with its unique beauty. Here are some popular colour variants you might encounter:

Blue Discus:

Turquoise Blue: These discuses have a bright blue colouration with intricate turquoise patterns on their bodies and fins.
Cobalt Blue: Known for their solid blue colour, cobalt blue discus are striking with their intense hue.

Red Discus:

Red Melon: These discs feature a vibrant red colour throughout their bodies, often with contrasting white or yellow faces.
Marlboro Red: Characterized by a deep red body and bright yellow face, Marlboro Reds are highly sought after.

Green Discus:

Green Tefé: Named after the Tefé River, these discs have a rich green colour with intricate patterns that mimic their natural habitat.
Alenquer Green: With shades of green and brown, Alenquer Greens have a natural, earthy appeal.

Brown Discus:

Chocolate Discus: These discuses exhibit a rich, chocolate-brown colour, often with subtle patterns.
Wild Brown: Similar to their natural counterparts, wild brown discus have a more subdued, natural appearance.

Yellow Discus:

Golden Sunrise: These discus boast a bright yellow colour, sometimes with a hint of red or orange around the edges.
Yellow Diamond: Known for their solid, bright yellow colour, yellow diamonds are eye-catching and vibrant.

White Discus:

Snow White: Pure white with no other markings, Snow White discus has an ethereal beauty.
White Pigeon: These discus have a white base colour with subtle patterns and markings, often in shades of blue or red.

Pigeon Blood Discus:

Pigeon Blood Red: These discus have a white base with red or orange patterns, giving them a striking appearance.
Pigeon Checkerboard: Known for their distinctive checkered patterns, these discus are a visual delight.

Leopard Discus:

Leopard Spotted: These discus feature spots in shades of red, orange, or brown on a lighter background, resembling a leopard’s coat.
Leopard Snake Skin: With intricate patterns and spots, these discus are among the most intricately marked varieties.

Striped Discus:

Royal Blue: These discus have blue bodies with vertical stripes, often with metallic sheen.
Tiger Striped: Characterized by bold vertical stripes, these discus resemble the pattern of a tiger.

When selecting a colour variant, consider how the fish will complement the aesthetics of your aquarium. Each colour variant can bring a unique visual appeal to your setup, and mixing different variants can create a stunning, dynamic display. Remember, the most important factor is the health and activity level of the fish, as a vibrant and active discus is a healthy discus. Take your time, observe their behaviour, and choose the ones that stand out to you the most.

Physical Health Checks

Shape: Discus should be round, even as juveniles. Elongated bodies may indicate stunted growth due to past illness.
Eyes: The size of the eyes about the body should be proportionate; oversized eyes can be a bad sign.
Head and Belly: Look for a well-formed forehead and belly. Sunken features often indicate malnutrition.
Behavioural Signs: Healthy discus will swim to the top when your hand approaches the tank, expecting food. If a fish hangs back or is pushed aside by others, it may not be healthy.
Feeding: Observe the fish eating. Healthy discus should approach food without hesitation.
Breathing: Normal breathing should not exceed 60 breaths per minute except after feeding. Watch for one-sided breathing, which could indicate gill parasites.
Activity: Signs like erratic swimming or scratching can indicate parasites. Healthy discus are calm and show interest in their surroundings.

Size Considerations

For display tanks, choose mature discus, ideally no smaller than 12 cm, as young fish require frequent feeding, leading to higher water contamination.

Social Dynamics

Discus are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least five to distribute any aggression. Avoid keeping them in pairs unless for breeding purposes.

For Beginners

Novice discus keepers should start with adult or sub-adult fish around 10 cm in size, which are generally more resilient and require less frequent feeding. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a healthy and vibrant discus fish aquarium.

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