Snakeskin Discus (Symphysodon sp. "Snakeskin") Care Guide
Snakeskin is a captive-bred colour line of discus (genus Symphysodon), South American cichlids needing warm, soft, acidic water.
Overview
Snakeskin is a selectively bred colour line of discus, an ornamental form of the South American cichlid genus Symphysodon, distinguished by a fine, dense pattern recalling snake scales. Wikipedia notes that captive variants such as turquoise, pigeon, cobalt and solid red derive from wild green, blue and brown discus. As a captive-bred line, no separate scientific species name applies.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Symphysodon
- Line designation: Symphysodon sp. "Snakeskin" (selectively bred, not a described species)
- Wild species in the genus: S. aequifasciatus, S. discus, S. tarzoo
Habitat
Wikipedia reports that wild discus inhabit the margins of floodplain lakes and rivers in the lowland Amazon basin, in soft, highly acidic blackwater where pH frequently ranges between 5.0 and 6.0. Seriously Fish describes discus in nature as found in schools in deep, sheltered areas around tree roots and rocks. Captive-bred lines such as Snakeskin tolerate more neutral water than wild fish.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 28-31 °C (82-88 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5; Wikipedia notes captive-bred fish typically tolerate 6.0-7.0 and adapt up to about 7.5
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- School size: at least 5 individuals
- Lifespan: about 8-12 years
Diet
Discus are omnivorous. Wikipedia notes that wild fish feed mainly on algae, plant material and detritus, with small invertebrates forming a notable part of the diet in the high-water season; Seriously Fish records wild fish feeding on zooplankton, insects and other small invertebrates. In the aquarium they are fed varied meaty and prepared foods, typically twice daily.
Compatibility
Discus are peaceful, midwater cichlids. Seriously Fish describes them as shy, skittish fish best kept in a group. They suit warm-water community tanks with calm species such as cardinal tetra, rummy-nose tetra and corydoras, while boisterous or nipping fish should be avoided.
Breeding
Discus are substrate spawners that lay eggs on a vertical surface and guard them. Wikipedia reports that both parents secrete a skin mucus, often called discus milk, on which the larvae feed during their first weeks. Sexual maturity is reached at about one year.