(F31) White Butterfly Discus Fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)

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Description

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.