Our Guide To Keeping Blue Mercury Discus

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus (cultivar)
   • Common name: Blue Mercury Discus
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: Captive-bred variety, originally from Amazon River Basin (South America)
   • Adult length: 15 to 20 cm
   • Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
   • Diet: Omnivore (requires high-protein diet)
   • Care Level: Advanced
   • Temperament: Peaceful but territorial when breeding

2. Tank Setup:

   • Blue Mercury Discus prefer tall, deep aquariums with minimal water movement and soft substrates like sand or fine gravel.
   • Include driftwood, vertical plants like Amazon Swords, and open swimming space. They thrive in a planted or bare-bottom tank depending on maintenance preference.
   • A minimum tank size of 250L is recommended for a group of 5 or more discus to reduce aggression and stress.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Temperature: 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F)
   • pH: 5.5 to 6.8
   • Hardness: Soft (1–8 dGH)

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Use high-quality external canister or sponge filtration to maintain excellent water quality without creating strong flow.
   • Discus require pristine water conditions—perform 25–50% water changes weekly or more frequently in bare-bottom setups.

5. Diet:

   • Feed a high-protein diet including specialised discus pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and beef heart mix.
   • Feed 2–3 times daily in small amounts to maintain water quality and encourage healthy growth and colour development.

6. Tank mates:

   • Suitable tank mates include Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, small peaceful Corydoras, Otocinclus, and dwarf Plecos.
   • Avoid fin-nippers, fast swimmers, or aggressive fish that may outcompete or stress Discus.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Blue Mercury Discus are peaceful and social fish best kept in groups of five or more to reduce territorial stress.
   • They can be shy and benefit from tankmates that are calm and non-intrusive.
   • During breeding, pairs may become territorial, so it's ideal to provide spawning areas and visual breaks within the tank.