Red Valentine Discus 5cm

Red Valentine Discus

The Red Valentine discus is a stunning new strain that offers a new variation to the already beloved red discus. They have such striking colours with a deep red that is not seen that commonly in other aquarium fish with a new and unique patterning. As these are a captive developed strain they will be well suited to aquarium life but are most certainly not a beginner fish to consider.

Being one of the world& its best display aquarium fish, discus is highly sought after. The Red Valentine discus put a very new spin on some of the more classic red discus strains, there has been a recent trend of calico patterns being brought out in these fish which the red Valentine discus sport. The base body colour is the classic tomato red which is heavily saturated and looks striking but the real standout feature here is the presence of white through the face that bleeds into the body and streaks through the top of the fish. The white area offers the perfect canvas for speckles of red to pop through resulting in an awesome-looking fish.

When kept in an optimal environment and healthy, these discus are breathtaking. Just like any other discus the Red Valentine strain 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 community tank mates which can tolerate the warmer waters. 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. The wild discus originates from the Amazon basin and has very different colours from the Red Valentine discus.

Tank Recommendations for your Red Valentine Discus
Red Valentine discus is a large growing fish reaching around 20 cm, both long and 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 larger water volume will mean more stable conditions which is what discus prefers. Tank dimensions are also important when keeping discus, an aquarium with both height and length is needed because of the large profile that discus grows to.

Discus can be a shy fish at times so an aquascape which provides both cover and also open swimming space will be best appreciated by them. These Red Valentine discus also love plants in the aquarium which will also make them stand out really well. Another great setting for this strain specifically is to put them in an aquarium with a blue background which contrasts immensely against the red but really makes the fish stand out.

Suitable Tank Buddies
The Red Valentine discus is a very peaceful fish. Discus are 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 Red Valentine Discus
Red Valentine's discus may be shy when first introduced but should take to prepared aquarium foods easily. Their ideal diet needs to consist of good quality pellet or flake which is supplemented with frozen or live invertebrate-based foods like brine shrimp or black worms.