Marlboro Red Discus Care Guide
Marlboro Red is a selectively bred solid-red discus strain of the genus Symphysodon, an Amazonian cichlid that needs warm, soft, acidic water.
Overview
Marlboro Red is a selectively bred solid-red discus strain belonging to the genus Symphysodon, the discus cichlids of the Amazon basin. Solid-red and other color strains are the product of selective breeding of wild green, blue and brown discus. As a strain rather than a described species, its exact lineage is not formally classified.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Symphysodon
- Scientific name: Symphysodon sp. "Marlboro Red" (undescribed captive-bred strain)
- Note: "Marlboro Red" is an aquarium strain, not a recognised species name
Habitat
The wild discus of the genus Symphysodon originate in the Amazon river basin, where they inhabit soft, highly acidic blackwater tributaries, typically with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. They are highly social fish that occur in groups.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 28-31 °C (82-88 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5 (captive-bred strains tolerate 6.0-7.0, up to 7.5 if stable)
- GH: 2-10 °dGH (soft water)
- Group size: at least 5 individuals
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
An omnivore. Wild discus consume algae, plant material and detritus together with small invertebrates. In the aquarium, captive strains take a varied diet of frozen and prepared foods.
Compatibility
A peaceful, social cichlid best kept in a group in the middle of the tank. It pairs well with warm-water, soft-water companions such as cardinal tetra, rummy-nose tetra and Sterbai Corydoras, plus a bristlenose pleco; tiger barbs and aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
A substrate spawner. Both parents provide highly developed brood care and produce a skin secretion ("discus milk") on which the larvae feed during their first weeks. Captive breeding of color strains is considered advanced.