Description
Red Cover Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)
π Basic Info
-
Scientific Name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus
-
Common Names: Red Cover Discus, Red Cover Turquoise Discus
-
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlid Family)
-
Order: Cichliformes
-
Origin: Captive-bred variety β developed from wild Amazon Discus species (Symphysodon spp.)
-
Size: Up to 7β8 inches (18β20 cm) in captivity
-
Lifespan: 10 β 15 years
-
Tank Zone: Mid to upper water column
π Water Parameters
-
TDS: 100 β 200 ppm
-
pH: 6.0 β 7.0
-
Temperature: 28 β 31Β°C (82 β 88Β°F)
-
Hardness: 3 β 10 dGH
π Characteristics
-
Body: Round, flat, and laterally compressed with elegant swimming movements.
-
Coloration: Vibrant solid red body with uniform coverage; some may display a slight orange or golden tint.
-
Fins: Red to orange translucent fins blending into the body.
-
Behavior: Calm, graceful, and social.
-
Nature: Peaceful and sensitive; thrives in clean, quiet aquariums.
-
Special Feature: Selectively bred for its solid red coloration without stripes or patterns β one of the purest red discus strains.
π½οΈ Food
-
Type: Carnivorous (high-protein diet)
-
Diet: Beef heart mix, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and quality discus pellets or flakes.
-
Feeding Frequency: 2 β 3 times daily in small portions.
-
Tip: Add color-enhancing foods rich in carotenoids for deeper red tones.
π οΈ Maintenance
-
Tank Size: Minimum 200 liters (55 gallons) for a pair; larger for groups.
-
Filtration: Strong biological filtration with gentle flow.
-
Substrate: Fine sand or bare-bottom setup for cleanliness.
-
Decor: Driftwood, smooth rocks, and broad-leafed plants (Amazon Sword, Anubias).
-
Lighting: Moderate, soft lighting enhances red color vibrancy.
-
Water Change: 30β40% daily or alternate days for best results.
π₯ Social Behavior
-
Group Size: Best kept in groups of 5 or more.
-
Tank Mates: Peaceful fish such as cardinal tetras, rummy nose tetras, corydoras, and dwarf plecos.
-
Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
-
Compatibility Note: Ideal for discus-only or calm community tanks with warm, soft, acidic water.
β Doβs
-
Maintain stable warm water (28β31Β°C).
-
Perform frequent partial water changes.
-
Provide balanced, high-protein diet.
-
Keep under soft, dim lighting to reduce stress.
β Donβts
-
Donβt keep with aggressive or active tank mates.
-
Donβt neglect water quality β discus are sensitive.
-
Donβt overcrowd or house with fin-nippers.
β Quick Tips
The Red Cover Discus is a premium and eye-catching strain known for its deep, solid red coloration and graceful appearance. It symbolizes beauty and purity among discus varieties, perfect for aquascaped display tanks and serious hobbyists seeking a striking centerpiece fish.
