Pigeon Blood Discus Care Guide
Pigeon Blood is a captive-bred Symphysodon colour morph that keeps the warm, soft, acidic water and frequent water-change needs of wild discus.
Overview
Pigeon Blood is a captive-bred colour morph of the cichlid genus Symphysodon, developed through selective breeding in Asia. It shows a creamy white to orange base with red peppering, while wild-type discus carry vertical bars. The fish retains the husbandry requirements of wild discus: warm, soft, slightly acidic water and a stable, calm environment maintained by frequent water changes.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Symphysodon
- Scientific name: Symphysodon sp. 'Pigeon Blood'
- Status: captive-bred ornamental colour strain
Habitat
The discus genus is native to the lowland Amazon basin, where the fish occupy the margins of floodplain lakes and slow stretches of rivers. Wild populations live in soft, acidic blackwater, with pH frequently between 5.0 and 6.0. Pigeon Blood exists only in captivity, but understanding the wild biotope explains its preference for warm, soft, low-flow conditions.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 28-32 °C (82-90 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 1-8 °dGH
- Group size: keep 5 or more for a calmer dynamic
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Discus are omnivores. FishBase records wild discus feeding on insect larvae, insects and planktonic invertebrates, with plant material and detritus also taken seasonally. In the aquarium a varied diet of high-quality frozen and prepared foods is offered, fed several times daily to support the deep-bodied physique.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, mid-water cichlid that is shy and easily stressed, so it needs cover and quiet tank mates. Suitable companions include other discus and small soft-water species such as cardinal tetra, rummy-nose tetra and Corydoras sterbai, which tolerate the high temperatures. Avoid aggressive, fast-moving or fin-nipping fish and cold-water species.
Breeding
Discus are substrate spawners with advanced biparental care. Both parents secrete a skin mucus, sometimes called discus milk, on which the larvae feed during their first weeks. Breeding requires soft, acidic water and a vertical spawning surface; it is rated advanced.
Conservation status
Wild discus of the genus Symphysodon are assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Pigeon Blood itself is a captive ornamental strain and is not part of any wild assessment.