Description

Blue Rim Red Cover Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus

• Common Names: Blue Rim Red Cover Discus, Blue Edge Red Discus

• Family: Cichlidae (Cichlid Family)

• Order: Cichliformes

• Origin: Captive-bred hybrid variety — selectively developed from wild Amazon Discus (Symphysodon spp.)

• Size: Up to 7–8 inches (18–20 cm) in captivity

• Lifespan: 10 – 15 years

• Tank Zone: Mid to upper levels

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 100 – 200 ppm

• pH: 6.0 – 7.0

• Temperature: 28 – 31°C (82 – 88°F)

• Hardness: 3 – 10 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Body: Perfectly round and laterally compressed body with smooth outlines and wide dorsal and anal fins.

• Coloration: Brilliant deep red body with an eye-catching iridescent blue rim outlining the body and fins. The red cover is rich and uniform, while the metallic blue edge provides a sharp contrast.

• Fins: Translucent red to blue-tinted fins with a glowing outer rim effect.

• Behavior: Calm, intelligent, and responsive; enjoys slow swimming and group comfort.

• Nature: Peaceful but sensitive to sudden environmental changes.

• Special Feature: Unique dual-tone effect — the solid red cover body combined with a shimmering blue border, making it one of the most premium show-quality discus strains.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Carnivorous (high-protein diet)

• Diet: Beef heart mix, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, high-quality discus pellets, and color-enhancing flakes.

• Feeding Frequency: 2 – 3 times daily in small, clean portions.

• Tip: Add spirulina and carotenoid-based foods to enrich both red and blue coloration.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 200 liters (55 gallons) for a pair; larger tanks for groups.

• Filtration: Strong biological filtration with gentle flow; avoid turbulence.

• Substrate: Bare-bottom or smooth sand to simplify cleaning.

• Decor: Driftwood, soft plants (like Amazon Sword, Anubias, or Java Fern), and shaded hiding spots.

• Lighting: Moderate to soft; too-bright lighting may wash out color.

• Water Change: 30–40% daily or every alternate day to maintain stable, clean conditions.

👥 Social Behavior

• Group Size: Best kept in groups of 5 or more for comfort and natural behavior.

• Tank Mates: Ideal with peaceful species such as cardinal tetras, rummy nose tetras, corydoras, and dwarf plecos.

• Avoid: Aggressive, fin-nipping, or hyperactive species.

• Compatibility Note: Thrives in discus-dedicated or calm community aquariums with soft, warm water.

✅ Do’s

• Keep water warm, soft, and clean.

• Feed a variety of high-quality protein foods.

• Maintain low stress with calm tank mates.

• Use dim lighting to highlight the blue rim glow.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t mix with aggressive or very active fish.

• Don’t neglect frequent water changes.

• Don’t allow rapid changes in temperature or pH.

⭐ Quick Tips
The Blue Rim Red Cover Discus is a stunning high-grade discus variety admired for its deep red body framed by a glowing blue outline. It’s a true showpiece fish that adds elegance and vibrant contrast to any display or planted aquarium — perfect for collectors and enthusiasts seeking a rare, premium discus strain.