Description

White Butterfly Discus Fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus

• Common Names: White Butterfly Discus, Snow Butterfly Discus, Platinum Butterfly Discus

• Family: Cichlidae (Cichlid Family)

• Order: Cichliformes

• Origin: Captive-bred hybrid — developed in Southeast Asia, derived from white and albino discus lines.

• 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 – 7.0

• Hardness: 3 – 8 dGH

• TDS: 80 – 150 ppm

🐟 Characteristics

• Body: Round and symmetrical body with graceful fins.

• Coloration: Elegant milky white to soft platinum hue, often with a faint blue or silver tint under light.

• Pattern: Usually patternless, giving a clean and smooth “butterfly” appearance.

• Fins: Long, flowing, and slightly transparent, enhancing its angelic look.

• Eyes: Bright red or ruby-colored, providing beautiful contrast against the white body.

• Behavior: Calm, gentle, and social; adapts well in groups under stable water conditions.

• Special Feature: Its pure white body and graceful fin flow resemble a butterfly gliding in water — highly sought after in show tanks.

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Preferred Food: Discus pellets, beef heart mix, bloodworms, and brine shrimp.

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times daily in small portions.

• Tip: Provide vitamin- and protein-rich food to maintain healthy sheen and fin clarity.

🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 250 liters (65 gallons) for a group of 5–6.

• Filtration: High-quality biological filtration; gentle water flow preferred.

• Substrate: Bare bottom or fine sand for easy maintenance.

• Decor: Smooth driftwood and soft-leaved plants like Amazon swords or anubias.

• Lighting: Soft to moderate lighting enhances the white-platinum glow.

• Water Change: 30–40% every 2–3 days for crystal-clear water and optimal color tone.

👥 Social Behavior

• Group Size: Best kept in small groups (5 or more).

• Tank Mates: Peaceful companions such as tetras, corydoras, and other gentle discus varieties.

• Avoid: Fin-nipping or aggressive species.

• Compatibility: Looks stunning when combined with bright red or blue discus strains for contrast.

✅ Do’s
• Maintain warm, clean, and soft water.
• Use soft lighting to enhance its shimmer.
• Feed a varied, protein-rich diet.
• Keep stable water parameters.

❌ Don’ts
• Avoid harsh lighting or reflective backgrounds.
• Don’t keep with aggressive tank mates.
• Avoid sudden changes in pH or temperature.

⭐ Quick Tips
The White Butterfly Discus Fish is admired for its angelic white beauty and graceful swimming style, making it a perfect choice for elegant display tanks. Its gentle glow under aquarium lights adds a sense of calm and luxury, ideal for hobbyists seeking a pure and peaceful centerpiece fish.