Description
Yellow Rafflesia Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Common Names: Yellow Rafflesia Discus, Rafflesia Discus, Golden Rafflesia Discus
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlid Family)
Order: Cichliformes
Origin: Selectively bred hybrid strain, derived from Red Rafflesia and Golden Yellow Discus lines. Originally descended from wild Amazon Basin species.
Size: Up to 7–8 inches (18–20 cm)
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Tank Zone: Mid to upper region
🌊 Water Parameters
Temperature: 28 – 31°C (82 – 88°F)
pH: 6.0 – 7.0
Hardness: 3 – 10 dGH
TDS: 80 – 200 ppm
🐟 Characteristics
Body: Rounded, laterally flattened discus shape with wide dorsal and anal fins extending gracefully.
Coloration: Brilliant yellow to golden-orange base with delicate red marbling or vein-like patterns, inspired by the patterning of the Rafflesia flower.
Fins: Transparent yellow with soft white or orange edging.
Eyes: Deep red to orange-red, creating a striking contrast with the golden body.
Behavior: Elegant and peaceful; moves calmly through open water.
Nature: Gentle and shy; best maintained in a stable, clean, and quiet aquarium environment.
Special Feature: Known for its unique “flower petal” pattern — faint red streaks across a golden-yellow body that resemble the texture of the Rafflesia flower, giving it a rare and artistic look.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous (prefers protein-rich diet)
Diet: Beef heart mix, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, high-protein pellets, and color-enhancing flakes.
Feeding Frequency: 2 – 3 small feedings daily.
Tip: Include natural carotenoids (like spirulina and astaxanthin) to intensify red highlights and maintain body brightness.
🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 200 liters (55 gallons) for a pair; 300+ liters for groups.
Filtration: High-efficiency biological filter; low water flow preferred.
Substrate: Bare-bottom or fine sand to keep the display bright and clean.
Decor: Driftwood, live plants (Anubias, Amazon Sword), and shaded zones for comfort.
Lighting: Soft to medium lighting to enhance yellow and red tones.
Water Change: 30–40% daily or every alternate day.
👥 Social Behavior
Group Size: Best in small schools (5–6 individuals).
Tank Mates: Peaceful species like cardinal tetras, rummy nose tetras, corydoras, dwarf plecos.
Avoid: Aggressive, fast-moving, or fin-nipping fish.
Compatibility: Ideal for community tanks with other calm discus varieties.
✅ Do’s
• Keep warm and stable water temperature.
• Provide balanced diet with color enhancers.
• Maintain low-stress environment with dim lighting.
• Perform frequent water changes for best color clarity.
❌ Don’ts
• Avoid mixing with large or aggressive fish.
• Don’t let temperature or pH fluctuate.
• Don’t overfeed — clean water is key to health and color.
⭐ Quick Tips
The Yellow Rafflesia Discus stands out as a premium ornamental variety, admired for its vivid golden hue and flower-like red markings. It adds an artistic, luxurious touch to any discus collection — symbolizing elegance, balance, and beauty in motion.
