Silver Pigeon Blood Discus
Selective breeding has developed this color morph of the Symphysodon aequifasiatus. As the name implies, the body of this fish is disc shaped with full dorsal and anal fins reaching to the tail. The body can reach to 8” in diameter and the wild type originated in the Amazonian regions of South America. Extensively farm bred in Asia, Florida, Germany and other places, the Discus has adapted to most water conditions. In the wild, Discus are found in very soft, acidic (pH< 7.0) water and prefer to live among the submerged roots. In the home aquarium you need to provide lots of cover with subdued lighting. Most other tankmates need to be too large to eat but still peaceful and not a fin nipper. Ideal tankmates would include the Cory Cats, Plecos, Platies, Gouramis and Rainbow Fish. Juvenile Discus can tolerate large schools while the adults may start to pair off and defend territories, but they still prefer to have other Discus in the aquarium. Discus are rather intolerant of poor water quality, so regular partial water changes must be made and proper filtration maintained at all times. When upset, most Discus will turn very dark and may clamp their fins and refuse to eat. This is a sure sign that something is wrong in the aquarium or with the fish. In the wild, Discus are carnivores, eating smaller fish, insects and worms. In the aquarium you need to feed meaty foods like bloodworms, tubifex, frozen brines shrimp (vitamin enriched), small live worms and some prepared pellet foods (Color Bits). One unique behavior among Discus is their ability to feed the free swimming fry from a mucus secretion on the sides of the parent’s bodies. Discus are usually good parents, both protecting the spawning site (usually a upright smooth surface) and the fry once they hatch and start swimming. It is important to realize that the actual coloration of the adults is directly related to their general health, water quality and foods. Fish from the same parents can exhibit very different color patterns or intensities. Crossing these various color types is what has lead to the development of so many color morphs. The regal behavior and appearance has made the Discus the King of the Aquarium. (Juvenile shown).
