Description

Yellow Butterfly Discus Fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus

• Common Names: Yellow Butterfly Discus, Golden Butterfly Discus, Lemon Discus

• Family: Cichlidae (Cichlid Family)

• Order: Cichliformes

• Origin: Captive-bred hybrid developed in Southeast Asia, selectively bred from yellow and albino discus lines.

• Size: 6 – 8 inches (15 – 20 cm)

• Lifespan: 10 – 15 years

• Tank Zone: Middle and upper levels

🌊 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 28 – 31°C (82 – 88°F)

• pH: 6.0 – 7.0

• Hardness: 3 – 8 dGH

• TDS: 80 – 150 ppm

🐟 Characteristics

• Body: Rounded, smooth-bodied discus with a wide dorsal-to-anal fin spread.

• Coloration: Bright lemon-yellow or golden-yellow body with a subtle pearlescent sheen.

• Pattern: Some individuals show light vertical bands or faint marbling, while others are solid yellow.

• Fins: Transparent to golden-tinted fins that blend beautifully with the body color.

• Eyes: Typically bright red, providing striking contrast.

• Behavior: Calm, social, and slightly shy — prefers stable, warm water and peaceful tankmates.

• Special Feature: Known for its vivid yellow glow and graceful swimming style — gives an elegant, “butterfly-like” appearance in the tank.

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Preferred Food: High-quality discus pellets, beef heart mix, bloodworms, and brine shrimp.

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 small meals per day.

• Tip: Include color-enhancing foods with carotenoids (like spirulina or astaxanthin) to maintain vibrant yellow coloration.

🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 250 liters (65 gallons) for a small group.

• Filtration: Gentle flow with efficient biological and mechanical filtration.

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

• Decor: Driftwood, smooth stones, and live plants such as Amazon swords or anubias.

• Lighting: Moderate, slightly warm-toned light enhances the golden hues.

• Water Change: 30–40% every 2–3 days for optimal clarity and health.

👥 Social Behavior

• Group Size: Best kept in groups of 5–6.

• Tank Mates: Peaceful species like tetras, corydoras, and other non-aggressive discus varieties.

• Avoid: Fin-nippers or overly active fish.

• Compatibility: Excellent for community discus setups with contrasting colors (e.g., red or blue strains).

✅ Do’s
• Maintain soft, warm, and clean water.
• Feed a protein- and vitamin-rich diet.
• Provide subdued lighting to highlight coloration.
• Keep consistent tank parameters.

❌ Don’ts
• Avoid sudden changes in pH or temperature.
• Don’t house with aggressive or fast-swimming fish.
• Don’t skip regular water changes — affects color vibrancy.

⭐ Quick Tips
The Yellow Butterfly Discus Fish is admired for its bright golden body and graceful swimming, resembling the elegance of a butterfly. A stunning addition to any discus collection, it brings warmth, contrast, and vibrancy to aquariums — ideal for both show tanks and breeding enthusiasts.