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.