(F31) Wild Red Spotted Green Tefé Discus Fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus haraldi)

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Description

Description

Wild Red Spotted Green Tefé Discus Fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus haraldi)

📌 Basic Info

  • Scientific Name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus haraldi

  • Common Names: Wild Red Spotted Green Tefé Discus, Tefé Green Discus, Red Spotted Green Discus, Wild Green Discus

  • Family: Cichlidae (Cichlid Family)

  • Order: Cichliformes

  • Origin: Tefé River Region, Amazon Basin, Brazil — a tributary of the Amazon River known for crystal-clear, soft, and warm blackwater habitats surrounded by dense rainforest vegetation.

  • Size: 7 – 8 inches (18 – 20 cm)

  • Lifespan: 10 – 15 years

  • Tank Zone: Middle

🌊 Water Parameters

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

  • pH: 5.0 – 6.5 (slightly acidic, blackwater conditions)

  • Hardness: 1 – 6 dGH

  • TDS: 50 – 120 ppm

🐟 Characteristics

  • Body: Classic round discus shape with a smooth body contour and wide dorsal and anal fins.

  • Coloration: Base color ranges from olive green to turquoise-green, beautifully overlaid with bright red spots across the body, especially prominent around the gill plates, flanks, and dorsal area.

  • Pattern: Iridescent turquoise stripes on the face and fins, adding a wild, natural brilliance.

  • Eyes: Deep red eyes typical of wild-caught discus, emphasizing the vibrant contrast.

  • Behavior: Graceful, calm, and schooling-oriented but may be shy in bright setups.

  • Nature: Sensitive and prefers natural, stable blackwater conditions.

  • Special Feature: This wild strain from the Tefé River is one of the most sought-after natural discus types, famous for its dense red spotting and authentic wild coloration, representing the true beauty of the Amazon.

🍽️ Food

  • Type: Omnivorous

  • Diet: High-protein foods such as frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, blackworms, daphnia, and high-quality discus pellets.

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

  • Tip: Introduce live or frozen foods initially to help wild specimens acclimate before transitioning to pellets.

🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance

  • Tank Size: Minimum 300 liters (75 gallons) for a small group.

  • Filtration: Gentle, efficient biological filter with strong oxygenation but low current.

  • Substrate: Fine sand with leaf litter to mimic Amazon blackwater.

  • Decor: Driftwood, roots, and Indian almond leaves to provide hiding and natural tannins.

  • Lighting: Dim to moderate — wild discus prefer subdued light.

  • Water Change: 30–40% every 2–3 days using soft, slightly acidic water to replicate wild conditions.

👥 Social Behavior

  • Group Size: Keep in small groups of 5–6.

  • Tank Mates: Peaceful species like cardinal tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, and corydoras.

  • Avoid: Aggressive, fin-nipping, or fast-moving fish.

  • Compatibility: Best with other wild or wild-type discus strains.

Do’s
• Maintain blackwater-style setup with tannins and leaf litter.
• Use soft, slightly acidic water.
• Offer varied live and frozen foods for conditioning.
• Keep tank calm and dimly lit to reduce stress.

Don’ts
• Don’t keep in bright or high-flow environments.
• Avoid frequent handling or sudden water parameter changes.
• Don’t mix with aggressive or large tank mates.

Quick Tips
The Wild Red Spotted Green Tefé Discus is a true gem from the Amazon, admired for its natural beauty, vivid red spotting, and authentic green hues. Ideal for advanced aquarists and collectors who appreciate the untamed elegance of wild discus, it stands as one of the most captivating and genetically pure discus varieties in the hobby.