Red Turquoise Discus Care Guide
The Red Turquoise discus is a selectively bred colour strain of the genus Symphysodon, a soft, warm-water Amazonian cichlid.
Overview
The Red Turquoise discus is a selectively bred colour strain of the genus Symphysodon, a group of laterally compressed cichlids from the Amazon basin. Wikipedia lists captive-bred discus variants including turquoise and solid red forms derived from wild green, blue and brown discus. As a bred strain it has no independent scientific binomial; its biology follows that of wild Symphysodon.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Symphysodon
- Aquarium designation: Symphysodon sp. "Red Turquoise" (selectively bred colour strain, not a described species)
Habitat
Wild Symphysodon inhabit the margins of floodplain lakes and rivers in the lowland Amazon basin in Brazil. They occur in soft, highly acidic blackwater tributaries where wild pH frequently ranges between 5.0 and 6.0. Bred strains such as the Red Turquoise are produced in aquaria and adapt to a wider range of conditions.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 28-31 °C (82-88 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 2-8 °dGH
- Group size: 5 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Wild discus feed primarily on algae, plant material and detritus, and also take small invertebrates. In aquaria they accept a varied diet of prepared and frozen foods, fed about twice daily.
Compatibility
Discus are peaceful, mid-water cichlids best kept in groups. Suitable companions include calm warm-water species such as cardinal and rummy-nose tetras and Sterbai corydoras. Boisterous or fin-nipping fish should be avoided.
Breeding
Symphysodon are substrate spawners with notable biparental care: adults produce a skin secretion ("discus milk") on which the larvae feed during their first weeks. Captive breeding of discus is regarded as advanced.