Description

White Face Red Melon Discus Fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus

• Common Names: White Face Red Melon Discus, White Face Melon Discus, Red Melon Discus

• Family: Cichlidae (Cichlid Family)

• Order: Cichliformes

• Origin: Selectively bred in Southeast Asia from solid red and pigeon strains of wild Amazonian Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus).

• Size: 6 – 8 inches (15 – 20 cm)

• Lifespan: 10 – 15 years

• Tank Zone: Middle

🌊 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 28 – 31°C (82 – 88°F)

• pH: 6.0 – 7.0

• Hardness: 3 – 8 dGH

• TDS: 80 – 150 ppm

🐟 Characteristics

• Body: Rounded and perfectly symmetrical with a smooth profile.

• Coloration: Rich solid red or orange-red body contrasted by a distinct creamy white or pale face.

• Pattern: Largely patternless, giving a clean and elegant appearance.

• Fins: Semi-transparent red to orange fins, often with a faint metallic shimmer.

• Eyes: Bright red, adding vivid contrast to the white facial area.

• Behavior: Gentle and sociable, best kept in stable, warm, and pristine water.

• Special Feature: Its white facial mask and uniform red body tone make it a prized variety among discus enthusiasts.

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Preferred Food: Discus pellets, beef heart mix, frozen bloodworms, and brine shrimp.

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times per day in small portions.

• Color Enhancement: Use carotenoid-rich foods (like astaxanthin and spirulina) to maintain bright red pigmentation.

🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 250 liters (65 gallons) for a group of 5–6.

• Filtration: Strong biological filter with gentle water movement.

• Substrate: Bare bottom or fine sand for easy cleaning.

• Decor: Driftwood and broad-leaved plants like Amazon swords.

• Lighting: Soft to moderate — enhances red hue and reduces stress.

• Water Change: 30–40% daily or every alternate day for clear water.

👥 Social Behavior

• Group Size: Best kept in groups of 5 or more.

• Tank Mates: Compatible with cardinal tetras, rummy nose tetras, corydoras, and small plecos.

• Avoid: Fin-nippers or aggressive species.

• Compatibility: Ideal centerpiece for mixed-color discus tanks.

✅ Do’s
• Maintain warm, soft, and acidic water.
• Feed color-enhancing food regularly.
• Keep lighting moderate to highlight the white-red contrast.
• Ensure consistent, clean water quality.

❌ Don’ts
• Avoid direct bright light or reflective backgrounds.
• Don’t allow sudden temperature or pH changes.
• Avoid high nitrates — can dull red coloration.

⭐ Quick Tips
The White Face Red Melon Discus Fish is a show-class hybrid known for its striking pure white facial area and deep red body. Its smooth color gradient and elegant demeanor make it a favorite centerpiece in high-end aquariums — perfect for collectors who value symmetry and vibrant coloration.