Blue Diamond Discus (scientific name: Symphysodon sp.) stun everyone at first sight with its striking electric blue covering the entire disc-shaped body. The vibrant hue is the result of wild-caught specimens selectively bred based on favorable mutations in their color. Unfortunately for beginners, Discus fish are regarded as difficult in terms of care. Hence, they are not appropriate for the fishkeeper’s first try, despite their strong passion for the species. Given the average large Discus size of around 5 – 7 inches, these freshwater fish normally require a fairly big aquarium tank to dwell in. They are shoaling by nature, hence keeping Blue Diamond Discus in groups (from 6 -7 specimens) is more preferable. The distinctive body also challenges the Discus-keepers’ skills in controlling water quality to meet the fish’s requirements. Blue Diamond Discus fish consume a large amount of food and dispose of comparable waste. Therefore, in addition to setting up a soft and slightly acidic water environment for the species, water changes of 30% per week should be performed regularly. This ensures the waste is entirely removed and the water is kept hygienic. On a further note, Blue Discus fish are very sensitive to drastic changes in living conditions. Thus, to allow Discus fish to get accustomed to your tank soon, you should ask the fish store where you buy the fish for more information on their origin. This could help you get a closer step to the actual needs of Discus fish, as well as avoid any mistakes while preparing their home aquarium. Although this Blue Discus could live in a community tank, most serious hobbyists don’t prefer so. The main reason lies in diet problems, as they tend to kick other fish out to take the food without giving them a chance. That said, there are still several options for you. Neon tetras, Rummy-nose tetras, and Ember tetras are the first to come in the recommended list as they are beautiful yet pretty easy to care for. Other considerations could include Gouramis, Bolivian Rams, Pencilfish, and Sterbai Cory Catfish. At Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Blue Diamond Discus for sale and other Discus for sale are tank-bred, grown, and sold with love and care. Visit our fish store online or aquarium in Virginia for more high-quality freshwater fish for sale, such as betta fish for sale, aquatic plants for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, and other aquarium supplies. What You Can Expect From This Fish: Striking electric blue with a disc-shaped body Aggressive, particularly towards the same species Mid-level dwellers RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS: Temperature: 78° to 86°F (26° to 30°C) pH: 6.8 - 7.2 KH: 1 – 4 dKH Minimum tank size: 75 gallons for groups (highly recommended ratio is 1 individual per 10-gallon) CARE GUIDELINES: Diet: Discus fish are omnivores and prefer both plant matter and live food. Their favorite is bloodworms, and they can accept other types of food such as tropical fish flakes, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, and shrimp pellets. Social behavior: Shoaling, aggressive (particularly towards the same species) Origin: Amazon River Basin, tank-bred See more details about the Care Guide for Discus fish here.
