Description
Red Pigeon Discus Fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Common Names: Red Pigeon Discus, Pigeon Blood Red Discus, Red Pigeon Blood
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlid Family)
Order: Cichliformes
Origin: Captive-bred hybrid — developed in Southeast Asia from the original Pigeon Blood Discus strain discovered in Thailand in the 1990s.
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 – 7.2
Hardness: 3 – 8 dGH
TDS: 80 – 150 ppm
🐟 Characteristics
Body: Rounded, laterally compressed body with clean edges and smooth scales.
Coloration: A brilliant combination of red and white or orange and white mosaic across the body. The red base color dominates, with fine white “peppering” or pattern variations.
Pattern: Distinct pigeon-blood style netting, ranging from minimal specks to full reticulated designs depending on the line.
Face: Usually lighter in shade — white, orange, or cream-colored.
Eyes: Bright red or orange, creating a strong contrast with the body.
Behavior: Peaceful, social, and adaptable to aquarium life.
Special Feature: The Red Pigeon Discus is one of the most color-stable varieties, meaning it maintains its bright red hues even under varied lighting and diet conditions.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous
Diet: Discus granules, beef heart mix, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and spirulina flakes.
Feeding Frequency: 2–3 small meals per day.
Tip: Use carotenoid-rich food (like astaxanthin or krill meal) to enhance red intensity and reduce peppering.
🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 250 liters (65 gallons) for a group.
Filtration: Gentle but efficient; maintain pristine water quality.
Substrate: Bare-bottom or fine sand preferred for easy cleaning.
Decor: Driftwood, smooth rocks, and plants like Amazon Swords or Anubias.
Lighting: Moderate; brings out the red and white balance beautifully.
Water Change: 30–40% daily or every alternate day.
👥 Social Behavior
Group Size: Best in groups of 5–6 discus.
Tank Mates: Cardinal tetras, rummy nose tetras, corydoras, and dwarf plecos.
Avoid: Fin-nipping barbs or overly aggressive cichlids.
Compatibility: Excellent with other peaceful discus strains.
✅ Do’s
• Maintain warm, clean, slightly acidic water.
• Feed a balanced and color-boosting diet.
• Keep in calm environments with low stress.
• Provide natural or dimmed light to enhance red tones.
❌ Don’ts
• Avoid overcrowding and irregular water changes.
• Don’t use bright gravel — it may reduce color vibrancy.
• Avoid mixing with aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
⭐ Quick Tips
The Red Pigeon Discus Fish is one of the most vibrant and photogenic varieties of discus, ideal for both show tanks and home aquariums. With its radiant red body and signature pigeon patterning, it’s a favorite among breeders and hobbyists for its beauty, resilience, and easy adaptability.
