Back
Previous product
(F31) Golden Rafflesia Discus Fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) (F31) Golden Rafflesia Discus Fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)
Next product
(F31) Snow White Discus Fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) (F31) Snow White Discus Fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)
Click to enlarge

(F31) Pigeon Checkerboard Discus Fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)

Add to wishlist
Compare
Categories: ,
Description

Description

Pigeon Checkerboard Discus Fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)

📌 Basic Info

  • Scientific Name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus

  • Common Names: Pigeon Checkerboard Discus, Checker Pigeon Discus, Checkerboard Discus

  • Family: Cichlidae (Cichlid Family)

  • Order: Cichliformes

  • Origin: Captive-bred hybrid variety developed from Pigeon Blood discus strains, first bred in Thailand. Valued for its checker-patterned body and vibrant contrast.

  • Size: 7 – 8 inches (18 – 20 cm)

  • Lifespan: 10 – 15 years

  • Tank Zone: Middle region

🌊 Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 28 – 31°C (82 – 88°F)

  • pH: 6.0 – 7.0

  • Hardness: 3 – 10 dGH

  • TDS: 80 – 180 ppm

🐟 Characteristics

  • Body: Round and laterally compressed, typical discus shape with extended fins.

  • Coloration: White or light cream body covered with dense red or orange checkered spots, forming a mosaic-like pattern across the body and fins.

  • Fins: Transparent with red or orange web-like markings.

  • Eyes: Bright red to orange-red, enhancing the checker pattern.

  • Behavior: Peaceful, calm swimmer; easily adapts to community tanks.

  • Nature: Hardy and tolerant of stable aquarium conditions; suitable for both experienced and novice discus keepers.

  • Special Feature: Its distinctive checkered design of red or orange dots over a light base gives a unique “grid” appearance — making it one of the most popular Pigeon Blood variants worldwide.

🍽️ Food

  • Type: Omnivorous (protein-rich diet preferred)

  • Diet: Beef heart mix, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, high-protein pellets, and color-enhancing flakes.

  • Feeding Frequency: 2 – 3 small meals daily.

  • Tip: Add spirulina and astaxanthin-based foods to intensify red tones and maintain clear pattern contrast.

🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance

  • Tank Size: Minimum 250 liters (65 gallons) for a small group.

  • Filtration: Gentle biological filtration with steady water quality.

  • Substrate: Bare-bottom or fine white sand for better color visibility.

  • Decor: Driftwood, smooth stones, and live plants like Anubias or Amazon Swords for natural shading.

  • Lighting: Soft to moderate lighting enhances the vivid checkered markings.

  • Water Change: 30–40% daily or alternate days to preserve water purity and fish health.

👥 Social Behavior

  • Group Size: Best kept in groups of 5–6 individuals.

  • Tank Mates: Ideal with peaceful species — cardinal tetras, rummy nose tetras, corydoras, dwarf plecos.

  • Avoid: Fin-nippers or overly aggressive fish.

  • Compatibility: Pairs beautifully with other calm discus strains.

✅ Do’s
• Maintain soft, warm, and stable water conditions.
• Feed a varied diet for healthy growth and color.
• Provide shaded areas and moderate lighting.
• Keep in peaceful, non-aggressive tank communities.

❌ Don’ts
• Avoid sudden changes in pH or temperature.
• Don’t keep with fast or aggressive fish.
• Avoid strong current or excessive lighting.

⭐ Quick Tips
The Pigeon Checkerboard Discus is one of the most iconic and visually striking discus varieties, loved for its perfect grid of red spots and calm nature. Its elegant coloration and gentle behavior make it a centerpiece choice for aquascaped discus tanks — representing balance, beauty, and refined detail in modern ornamental fish breeding.