Red & White Discus 5cm

Red & White Discus

Where most discus strains in the aquarium hobby are known for their intricate patterns and saturated colours, the red and white discus is a great alternative to this. They have a lot more simple colours and have a sense of delicateness to them which makes the red and white discus a perfect contender for a bright planted aquarium. These are a captive developed strain and they will be well suited to aquarium life but are most certainly not a beginner fish to consider which makes them all the more special.

Being one of the world's best display aquarium fish, discus are often regarded as the pinnacle species of the freshwater aquarium hobby and are highly sought after. The red and white discus as the name suggests are mostly two colours. The red hue is quite light and spans the bottom half of the body whereas the white colouration goes through the face, upper body, and fins. There is however faint red speckling that can emerge through this white giving these discus a calico look. The fins can also sport a light blue sheen for some additional contrast.

When kept in an optimal environment and healthy, these discus are breathtaking. Just like any other discus the red and white strain 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 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 water. 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 to be 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 to the red and white discus.

Tank Recommendations for your Red & White Discus

Red and White Discus are 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 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 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 and white discus also love plants in the aquarium which will make them stand out really well. Another great setting for this strain specifically is to put them in an aquarium with a black background which contrasts immensely against the red and white colours.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Red and White 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 and White Discus

Red and White Discus may be shy when first introduced but should take too prepared aquarium foods easily. Their ideal diet needs to consist of a good quality pellet or flake which is supplemented with frozen or live invertebrate-based foods like brine shrimp or black worms.