Discus turquoise DNZ - Symphysodon aequifasciatus

As an evergreen, discus are indispensable in the aquarium. Today, loving and consistent breeding and selection make it possible to choose from a wide range of colors, which are real eye-catchers in the aquarium. The turquoise discus is one of them. The scientifically named Symphysodon aequifasciatus belongs to the cichlids and originates from South America.

You can get animals bred in Germany(DNZ).

The conspicuous disc-shaped body is typical and name-giving for the discus. It can grow up to 15 cm. It has a long extended anal fin and pointed ventral fins. The terminal mouth is located on a blunt head. If you take good care of your discus, they can live up to 15 years.

Offer them an aquarium with an edge length of at least 150 cm and structure it with root structures at the edges, because they like to stand in them. Keep the water hygiene very well, because they react sensitively to it. You can use Cryptocorynen, sword plants or also Anubias for greening. Provide enough swimming space and keep the tank rather shady. The water values for discus are rather acidic and soft with higher temperatures.

Breeding is possible, but more difficult. If you keep a group, a harmonizing pair will crystallize after a while, which you best transfer to a spawning aquarium. Ensure acidic water values around 1-3 °GH and a pH value of 5.5-6.5. With a spawning cone you can additionally motivate your animals. The pair shows this by intensive cleaning of the same but also of leaves and other smooth surfaces. However, the spawning act itself usually takes place at dusk. The clutch is intensively groomed by both animals and fanned with the fins to supply it with oxygen. After about 72 hours, the first young hatch, feeding on a secretion that forms on the parents' skin. From the 4th-5th day of hatching, the young can already be fed with very small live food such as infusoria, nauplii or even slipper animals.

A socialization is also possible with other fish, but make sure that they get along with the water parameters. Red neons, butterfly cichlids, but also Corydoras or red-headed tetras are suitable. However, it is better not to add dwarf shrimps and other invertebrates.

Discus are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet. Live and frozen foods such as black and white mosquito larvae (please do not feed red ones!), Artemia, Grindal or Enchytraen are suitable. Commercially available dry, flake or granulated food is also accepted. The vegetable portion in their nutrition should not be too short. It is advantageous to feed sparingly several times a day.

Our food recommendation: NatureHolic Cichfeed is a great staple food for all carnivorous cichlids in the aquarium, which perfectly meets their requirements for food composition. The tasty pearls are also very well eaten by larger cichlids. Thanks to their soft texture, NatureHolic Cichfeed food pearls are gentle on the mouth and can be eaten very well by the fish.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping fish the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.