Our Guide To Keeping Rose Red Discus

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus (Rose Red variant)
   • Common name: Rose Red Discus
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: Amazon River Basin, selectively bred in captivity
   • Adult length: 15–20 cm
   • Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
   • Diet: Omnivore
   • Care Level: Advanced
   • Temperament: Peaceful, slightly territorial

2. Tank Setup:

   • Rose Red Discus require a large, tall aquarium of at least 250L, ideally with a group of five or more.
   • Use a soft substrate, driftwood, and tall plants like Amazon Swords or Cryptocoryne to replicate their natural surroundings. Dim lighting helps reduce stress and enhances colour.

3. Water Parameters:

   • They thrive in soft, slightly acidic water with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
   • Keep the water temperature stable between 28 to 30°C (82 to 86°F).

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Maintain excellent water quality with a powerful but gentle filtration system. Strong currents should be avoided, as Rose Red Discus prefer calm water conditions.

5. Diet:

   • Offer a balanced diet with discus pellets, high-quality flakes, and protein-rich foods like beef heart, bloodworms, and brine shrimp.
   • Feed 2–3 small meals per day and promptly remove uneaten food to maintain water quality.

6. Tank mates:

   • Keep Rose Red Discus in peaceful groups of their own kind or with compatible species like cardinal tetras, corydoras catfish, and rummy nose tetras.
   • Avoid aggressive, fast-swimming, or fin-nipping fish to reduce stress.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Rose Red Discus are graceful, intelligent fish that establish social hierarchies within their group.
   • They do best in stable environments with minimal disruptions and will display their most vivid colours when calm and healthy.