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(F31) ICA Red Heckel Discus (Symphysodon discus)

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Description

Description

ICA Red Heckel Discus (Symphysodon discus)

📌 Basic Info

  • Scientific Name: Symphysodon discus

  • Common Names: ICA Red Heckel Discus, Red Heckel Discus, ICA Discus

  • Family: Cichlidae (Cichlid Family)

  • Order: Cichliformes

  • Origin: Wild-collected from the Rio Negro basin near Barcelos, Amazon River, Brazil — “ICA” refers to the export region known for exceptionally colored Heckel strains.

  • Size: Up to 8 inches (20 cm) in captivity; larger in the wild.

  • Lifespan: 10 – 15 years

  • Tank Zone: Mid to upper levels

🌊 Water Parameters

  • TDS: 50 – 150 ppm

  • pH: 4.5 – 6.5 (acidic, soft water preferred)

  • Temperature: 28 – 31°C (82 – 88°F)

  • Hardness: 1 – 5 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

  • Body: Classic round discus profile with a strong vertical “Heckel bar” pattern, most notably the central fifth vertical bar, darker than the rest.

  • Coloration: Brilliant deep red to scarlet body with distinct vertical stripes. The intensity of the red coloration increases with maturity and proper care.

  • Fins: Translucent with faint blue iridescence, especially along the edges.

  • Eyes: Bright red or orange-red, adding to its striking appearance.

  • Behavior: Graceful, calm swimmer; prefers the company of its own kind.

  • Nature: Sensitive to water chemistry changes; thrives in stable, soft, warm water.

  • Special Feature: Originates from ICA — an area famous for naturally vivid wild red Heckel discus with pure, unaltered genetic lines.

🍽️ Food

  • Type: Carnivorous (protein-focused diet)

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

  • Feeding Frequency: 2 – 3 times daily in small amounts.

  • Tip: Supplement with natural carotenoids (like astaxanthin) to maintain the deep red hue.

🛠️ Maintenance

  • Tank Size: Minimum 300 liters (75 gallons) for a small group.

  • Filtration: Excellent biological filtration with gentle water flow; maintain pristine water.

  • Substrate: Bare-bottom or soft sand to reduce debris accumulation.

  • Decor: Driftwood, leaf litter, and low-light plants such as Anubias and Java Fern.

  • Lighting: Dim to moderate — mimics the shaded Amazon habitat and enhances red tones.

  • Water Change: 40–50% daily or every other day for optimal health and color.

👥 Social Behavior

  • Group Size: Best kept in groups of 5–6 to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling.

  • Tank Mates: Suitable with small, calm fish like cardinal tetras, rummy nose tetras, and corydoras.

  • Avoid: Aggressive or fast-moving fish.

  • Compatibility Note: ICA Red Heckel Discus prefer a peaceful, species-focused or biotope-style aquarium.

✅ Do’s
• Keep water warm, soft, and acidic.
• Provide plenty of hiding spots and driftwood.
• Use subdued lighting to enhance natural color.
• Offer a rich, varied protein diet.

❌ Don’ts
• Don’t expose to hard or alkaline water.
• Don’t skip frequent water changes.
• Don’t keep with fin-nippers or hyperactive fish.

⭐ Quick Tips
The ICA Red Heckel Discus is a wild-origin masterpiece prized for its deep natural red color and distinctive Heckel bar markings. Its elegance, rarity, and authentic Amazonian lineage make it one of the most admired discus varieties among collectors. Perfect for experienced aquarists seeking the ultimate natural beauty in discus keeping.