Solid Red Cover Discus 7cm

Solid Red Cover Discus

Solid red cover discus is easily one of the most popular, readily available, and vibrant discus strains in the hobby. They have such striking colours with a deep red that is not seen that common in other aquarium fish and their simplicity is quite possibly what makes them such a popular strain. 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.  

Being of the world's best display aquarium fish, discus is often regarded as the pinnacle fish of the freshwater aquarium hobby and is highly sought after. The solid red discus as the name suggests is almost 100% covered in this deep tomato red colour which is especially bold when these fish are fully matured. The only real break to these colours is the pale, creamy face these fish have and the very faint barring through the body. The main contrast is provided by a black rim that is present on all the fins and a stripe which cuts through the eye. 

When kept in an optimal environment and healthy, these discus are breathtaking. Just like any other discus the solid red 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 solid red cover discus. 

Tank Recommendations for your Solid Red Cover Discus

Red cover 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 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 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 solid red cover 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 solid red cover 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 Solid Red Cover Discus

Solid red cover discus may be shy when first introduced but should take to 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.