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.