Eruption Discus Care Guide
The Eruption discus is a captive-bred Symphysodon strain with a red pattern over a white-blue base, derived from wild Amazonian discus.
Overview
The Eruption discus is a selectively bred Symphysodon ornamental strain showing a red "eruption" pattern over a white-blue base. It is a captive-bred line derived from wild discus rather than a natural species, one of many forms produced through selective breeding (Symphysodon).
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Symphysodon
- Trade name: Symphysodon sp. "Eruption"
- Captive-bred ornamental strain derived from wild Symphysodon discus
- Selective breeding has produced turquoise, pigeon, cobalt and solid-colour forms (Symphysodon)
Habitat
This is a captive-bred ornamental strain with no natural range; it derives from wild Symphysodon discus of the Amazon Basin. Wild discus inhabit warm, soft, acidic blackwater tributaries (around pH 5.0-6.0), living in schools around tree roots and rocks in deep, sheltered floodplain habitats (Symphysodon).
Tank requirements
- Keep discus in groups; they are highly social cichlids (Symphysodon)
- Wild relatives tolerate warm water around 25-32 °C (Wikipedia)
- pH: captive-bred strains show plasticity, tolerating about 6.0-7.5 (Symphysodon)
- Wild standard length about 15 cm; captive specimens can be larger (Wikipedia)
- Stable parameters matter more than exact values for captive strains (Symphysodon)
- Provide ample cover; discus are shy and skittish (Seriously Fish)
Diet
Wild discus feed on zooplankton, insects, small invertebrates, algae, plant material and detritus, and their long intestines reflect a herbivorous to omnivorous biology (Symphysodon). Captive-bred strains accept varied prepared, frozen and live foods following the same omnivorous pattern.
Compatibility
Discus are shy, highly social cichlids best kept in groups with calm, warm-water tankmates; they require ample cover to feel secure (Seriously Fish, Symphysodon). Avoid boisterous or fin-nipping species and fish that prefer cooler water.
Breeding
Discus are substrate spawners with intensive biparental care. Both parents produce a skin secretion ("discus milk") on which the larvae feed for about the first four weeks before being gradually weaned; pairs separate from the group when breeding to reduce cannibalism (Symphysodon).