Pigeon Checkerboard Discus 5cm

Pigeon Checkerboard Discus

Often regarded as the pinnacle fish of the freshwater aquarium hobby the discus is a highly sought-after fish. They come in a wide assortment of colours and are prized aquarium fish amongst aquarium hobbyists worldwide due to their colours, unique body shape and the slight challenge they pose to be kept successfully.

The pigeon checkerboard is no different and is in fact one of the worlds most popular colour strains of discus as well. Their most obvious and notable feature is the red, orange and yellow magma like colours which are incredibly striking against their iridescent white body. In a densely planted tank, these fish will catch the eye and be stunning showpiece fish. The pigeon blood discus was originally created in 1989 by an avid discus aquarist in Thailand.

Then from years of selective breeding, there have been many variations in colours, patterning density and patterning shapes as well in the pigeon checkerboard discus. Just like any other discus the Checkerboard discus has 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 also can 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 which can handle the warmer temperatures that discus need. Trying to find males and females in the 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 of naturally. The wild discus originates from the Amazon basin and has very different colours to the pigeon checkerboard.

Tank Recommendations for your Pigeon Checkerboard Discus
Discus is a large growing fish reaching around 20 cm long and equally tall. Because of this they do need a relatively large aquarium of around 190 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 discusses grows too. Discus can be a shy fish at times so an aquascape that provides both cover and also 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. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Pigeon Checkerboard discus is a very peaceful fish. Discus is ever so slightly territorial however this will never be a concerning factor of 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 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 sometimes compatible with discus

Rarely Compatible

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

Feeding your Checkerboard Discus

Discus like most common tropical aquarium fish is very easy to feed. They should be given a good quality pellet or flake food. They can also happily eat both floating or sinking pellets but a slow sinking pellet would offer the best of both worlds. This should also be supplemented with frozen foods such as blackworms, 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 lights are on.