Description
White Butterfly Discus Fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Common Names: White Butterfly Discus, Snow Butterfly Discus, Platinum Butterfly Discus
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlid Family)
Order: Cichliformes
Origin: Captive-bred hybrid — developed in Southeast Asia, derived from white and albino discus lines.
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: Round and symmetrical body with graceful fins.
Coloration: Elegant milky white to soft platinum hue, often with a faint blue or silver tint under light.
Pattern: Usually patternless, giving a clean and smooth “butterfly” appearance.
Fins: Long, flowing, and slightly transparent, enhancing its angelic look.
Eyes: Bright red or ruby-colored, providing beautiful contrast against the white body.
Behavior: Calm, gentle, and social; adapts well in groups under stable water conditions.
Special Feature: Its pure white body and graceful fin flow resemble a butterfly gliding in water — highly sought after in show tanks.
🍽️ Diet
Type: Omnivorous
Preferred Food: Discus pellets, beef heart mix, bloodworms, and brine shrimp.
Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times daily in small portions.
Tip: Provide vitamin- and protein-rich food to maintain healthy sheen and fin clarity.
🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 250 liters (65 gallons) for a group of 5–6.
Filtration: High-quality biological filtration; gentle water flow preferred.
Substrate: Bare bottom or fine sand for easy maintenance.
Decor: Smooth driftwood and soft-leaved plants like Amazon swords or anubias.
Lighting: Soft to moderate lighting enhances the white-platinum glow.
Water Change: 30–40% every 2–3 days for crystal-clear water and optimal color tone.
👥 Social Behavior
Group Size: Best kept in small groups (5 or more).
Tank Mates: Peaceful companions such as tetras, corydoras, and other gentle discus varieties.
Avoid: Fin-nipping or aggressive species.
Compatibility: Looks stunning when combined with bright red or blue discus strains for contrast.
✅ Do’s
• Maintain warm, clean, and soft water.
• Use soft lighting to enhance its shimmer.
• Feed a varied, protein-rich diet.
• Keep stable water parameters.
❌ Don’ts
• Avoid harsh lighting or reflective backgrounds.
• Don’t keep with aggressive tank mates.
• Avoid sudden changes in pH or temperature.
⭐ Quick Tips
The White Butterfly Discus Fish is admired for its angelic white beauty and graceful swimming style, making it a perfect choice for elegant display tanks. Its gentle glow under aquarium lights adds a sense of calm and luxury, ideal for hobbyists seeking a pure and peaceful centerpiece fish.
