Most Pigeon Red Discus (scientific name: Symphysodon sp.) are selectively bred from Discus variants to have a creamy yellowish to orange base color, highlighted by bright red eyes and trimmed off in black stripes and spots. This fish possesses an average large size of around 5 – 8 inches, which means Discus fish normally require a fairly large aquarium tank to dwell in. It is even more important since they are also shoaling by nature, and are suggested to be kept in groups (from 6 -7 specimens). The distinctive body also challenges the Pigeon Red Discus-keepers’ skills in controlling water quality to meet the fish’s requirements. They tend to 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. Mind that Discus fish are very sensitive to drastic changes in living conditions. Thus, to allow them 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 most serious hobbyists don’t let Pigeon Red Discus live in a community tank, you could somehow realize it by considering those keeping Neon tetras, Rummy-nose tetras, and Ember tetras. However, you then need to pay close attention to diet time. As the fish are known for outcompeting other fish. Given all of the above, it is unfortunate for beginners that Pigeon Red Discus fish are deemed to be difficult to care for, despite their strong passion for the species. What You Can Expect From This Fish: Red focal point of the aquarium Difficult to care for 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 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 Care Guide for Discus fish here.
