Blue Turquoise Discus 5cm

Blue Turquoise Discus

Discus have held the pinnacle position of aquarium fish for decades at this stage and are pretty much unchallenged due to their colours, peaceful behaviour, challenging to keep nature, and overall allure. The art of captive breeding has allowed hobbyists to create countless strains that sport different colours and patterning, but some variations capture the spotlight more. One of the most classic discus strains is the blue turquoise, which is often the poster child of this species.

The Blue Turquoise Discus is named for its electric turquoise-blue striations that ripple across the body like glowing neon streaks. These bold lines create a stunning contrast against a base colour that ranges from reddish-brown to deep copper. The intensity of the turquoise pattern varies between individuals, but under aquarium lighting, it gives the fish a shimmering, metallic quality. Their tall, rounded body shape and flowing fins only add to their visual impact, making them a true centrepiece fish. Just like any other discus, the Blue Turquoise's have slightly different care requirements when compared to other aquarium fish, primarily being their temperature. Discus need elevated aquarium temperatures of around 28-30 degrees to thrive, and can also be very sensitive to water parameters, making them a challenge to keep. They are, however, very peaceful fish and can be kept with a wide range of peaceful aquarium fish that can handle the warmer temperatures that discus need.

Trying to find males and females in discus is a very difficult task, as there are no immediate distinguishing factors. If a breeding attempt is made, then it is better to get a group of at least 5-6 and let them pair off naturally. These fish will lay eggs on a smooth surface and guard them until they are well-developed, free-swimming fry, which makes them a fantastic fish to try breeding. The wild discus originates from the Amazon basin and has very different colours in captive-bred strains.

Tank Recommendations for your Blue Turquoise Discus

Discus are a large growing fish reaching around 20 cm long and equally tall. Because of this, they do need a relatively large aquarium of around 250 litres. It is recommended to go larger when keeping discus because a larger water volume will mean more stable conditions, which is what discus prefer. Tank dimensions are also important when keeping discus, an aquarium with both height and length is needed because of the large profile that discus grow to.

Discus can be a shy fish at times so an aquascape which provides both cover and open swimming space will be best appreciated by them. They also love plants in the aquarium, which makes them really stand out against the green as well. However, another great setting for this strain specifically is to put them in an aquarium with a jet black background, which makes their colours pop.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Blue Turquoise discus is a very peaceful fish. Discus are ever so slightly territorial; however, this will never be a concerning factor in their behaviour. These fish will get along with a wide range of community fish. Fast-moving fish, however, should be avoided because they may outcompete the discus for food.

Usually Compatible

Cardinal tetras, German Blue Rams, Corydoras, and other common, slow-moving moving peaceful fish.

Sometime Compatible

Fin-nipping species such as barbs, fast-moving or larger-bodied tetras, and cichlids such as black widow tetras. Shrimp may also be compatible with discus

Rarely Compatible

large aggressive species such as African cichlids, Oscars, and Jaguar cichlids.

Feeding your Blue Turquoise Discus

Discus, like most common tropical aquarium fish, are very easy to feed. They should be given a good-quality pellet or flake food. They can also happily eat both floating and sinking pellets, but a slow-sinking pellet would offer the best of both worlds.

This should also be supplemented with frozen foods such as black worms, blood worms, or brine shrimp to bring out optimal health and colours in the fish. Feeding should occur once a day and can occur when the lights are on.