Albino Discus Care Guide
The albino discus is a selectively bred colour form of Symphysodon, a tall-bodied Amazonian cichlid requiring warm, soft, stable water.
Overview
The albino discus is a selectively bred colour form within the genus Symphysodon, a group of disc-shaped cichlids native to the Amazon basin. Wikipedia notes that captive variants such as turquoise, pigeon, cobalt and solid red forms were developed through selective breeding and do not occur naturally in the wild. Albino strains lack normal melanin pigmentation.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Symphysodon
- Scientific name: Symphysodon sp. "Albino"
- Note: selectively bred ornamental form, not a wild species
Habitat
Wild Symphysodon are native to the Amazon River basin, inhabiting floodplain lakes, flooded forests and river margins in lowland areas. According to Wikipedia, different wild species occupy blackwater, clearwater and whitewater systems. Selectively bred forms such as the albino are produced entirely in captivity.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L (about 66 gal)
- Temperature: 28-31 °C (82-88 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Group size: 5 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Wikipedia emphasises that water stability is far more critical to long-term health than achieving a specific numerical target, and that captive-bred discus tolerate pH around 6.0-7.5.
Diet
Wikipedia describes discus as feeding on algae, plant material and detritus, while also consuming small invertebrates, which can form a substantial seasonal portion of stomach content. In the aquarium an omnivorous diet is offered around twice daily.
Compatibility
Discus are highly social and form groups. They are peaceful and occupy the middle water column, suiting calm warm-water tankmates. Albino specimens may be more sensitive to bright lighting.
Breeding
Discus are substrate spawners with notable biparental care. Wikipedia reports that adults produce a skin secretion known as "discus milk" on which the larvae feed during their first weeks, with both parents contributing.