Description
Red Alenquer Discus Fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Common Names: Red Alenquer Discus, Alenquer Red Discus, Wild Alenquer Discus
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlid Family)
Order: Cichliformes
Origin: Alenquer region, Amazon River Basin, Brazil — one of the most famous natural habitats for wild discus.
Size: 6 – 8 inches (15 – 20 cm) in aquariums; can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) in the wild.
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Tank Zone: Middle
🌊 Water Parameters
Temperature: 28 – 31°C (82 – 88°F)
pH: 5.0 – 6.5 (soft and acidic)
Hardness: 1 – 6 dGH
TDS: 50 – 120 ppm
🐟 Characteristics
Body: Round, flat, and perfectly symmetrical discus shape typical of wild strains.
Coloration: Beautiful reddish-brown to deep red body, with blue iridescent lines on the face, fins, and edges.
Pattern: Vertical dark bars (especially the central 5th bar) — characteristic of wild Alenquer discus.
Fins: Fins often show turquoise-blue edging with subtle highlights.
Eyes: Deep red to orange-red, contrasting strongly against the reddish body.
Behavior: Peaceful, majestic, and slightly shy — appreciates calm surroundings.
Special Feature: Retains the natural wild discus look with rich earthy tones and shimmering highlights; a favorite among enthusiasts who love authentic Amazon-origin discus strains.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous (prefers protein-rich diet)
Diet: High-quality discus pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, beef heart mix, and blackworms.
Feeding Frequency: 2–3 small meals per day.
Tip: Supplement with vitamin-enriched and color-enhancing foods to deepen red tones.
🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 300 liters (80 gallons) for adult group.
Filtration: Excellent biological filtration; gentle water flow simulating Amazon streams.
Substrate: Fine sand or bare-bottom with scattered driftwood and leaf litter.
Decor: Use driftwood, Amazon sword plants, and floating plants to create a shaded, natural setting.
Lighting: Low to moderate — too much light can make wild strains nervous.
Water Change: 30–40% daily or alternate days; maintain stable, soft, warm conditions.
👥 Social Behavior
Group Size: Best kept in groups of 5 or more.
Tank Mates: Cardinal tetras, rummy nose tetras, corydoras, hatchetfish, and peaceful dwarf cichlids.
Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping species.
Compatibility: Excellent with other wild or semi-wild discus strains.
✅ Do’s
• Maintain soft, acidic, and clean water.
• Provide a calm, dimly lit aquarium.
• Feed with high-quality, protein-rich foods.
• Keep in small, stable groups.
❌ Don’ts
• Avoid fluctuating pH or hard water.
• Don’t use strong lights or currents.
• Avoid aggressive tank mates or overcrowding.
⭐ Quick Tips
The Red Alenquer Discus Fish is one of the most iconic wild discus varieties, admired for its natural red-brown coloration, blue accents, and authentic Amazonian beauty. Perfect for hobbyists seeking a balance between wild elegance and peaceful temperament, it brings a touch of the Amazon right into your aquarium.
