Blue Turquoise Discus

Blue Turquoise Discus: A Stunning Aquamarine Gem for Your Aquarium

Brief Overview

The Blue Turquoise Discus is one of the most beloved freshwater aquarium fish, celebrated for its magnificent beauty and graceful swimming behavior. With their characteristic round, flattened bodies, vibrant blue and turquoise coloration covering their form, often accented by unique red or dark brown patterns, they are truly a captivating centerpiece for any aquascape. Although they require meticulous care, their peaceful temperament and regal beauty fully justify the effort, earning them the title "king" of aquarium fish.

Scientific & General Info

• Scientific Name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus

• Origin: Amazon River basin (captive-bred)

• Breeder: The fin shop's Discus Farm in Vietnam

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Approximately 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) when fully grown.

• Coloration: Bright blue or turquoise body base, often featuring wavy patterns, striations, or spots in red, orange, or brown running along the body. The intensity and type of pattern can vary depending on the specific strain and quality.

• Lifespan: 8–10 years, potentially longer with optimal care.

Care Requirements

• Tank Setup:

  • Minimum tank size: 50 gallons (approx. 190 liters) for a pair, and 55+ gallons (approx. 210+ liters) for a group of 5-6. Larger tanks are always better for maintaining water stability.

  • Substrate: Soft sand or smooth gravel is recommended to prevent injury when they forage at the bottom.

  • Plants & décor: Live plants (like Anubias, Java Fern), driftwood, and smooth rocks provide hiding spots and a sense of security. Ensure ample open swimming space.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 82–88°F (28–31°C) – maintaining a stable temperature is crucial.

  • pH: 6.0–7.5 (Slightly acidic to neutral is best).

  • Hardness (dGH): 1–8 (Soft water is ideal).

  • Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm (Strictly).

  • Nitrates: Below 20 ppm (Keep as low as possible).

• Maintenance:

  • Filtration & oxygenation: Requires efficient filtration (e.g., canister filter or sump) to handle waste and maintain water quality. Ensure sufficient dissolved oxygen, but avoid strong water currents.

  • Weekly water changes: 25–50% of the tank volume, depending on fish density and filter efficiency. Use dechlorinated/treated water.

  • Lighting: Soft to moderate lighting; avoid harsh direct light.

Diet & Feeding

• Protein-rich foods: Discus are carnivorous. Their diet should be varied and include:

  • High-quality frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp, beef heart (properly prepared to remove fat/sinew).

  • Specialized dry pellets or flakes formulated for Discus, high in nutritional content.

• Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily rather than one large meal. Remove any uneaten food after 5-10 minutes to prevent water fouling.

Compatibility & Behavior

• Temperament: Peaceful and gentle, but can be shy, especially when newly introduced. They display their best behavior when feeling secure.

• Suitable tank mates: Choose peaceful, similarly sized fish that share the same water parameter requirements. Avoid housing with aggressive or overly active fish.

• Social needs: Discus are social fish and feel more comfortable and confident when kept in groups (at least 5-6 individuals). Keeping them singly or in small pairs can cause stress.

Acclimation Process

1. Temperature Acclimation: Float the sealed bag containing the fish on the surface of the main tank for 15-20 minutes to equalize water temperatures.

2. Gradual Water Mixing: Open the bag. Every 10-15 minutes, add a small amount of water from the main tank into the bag (about 20-25% of the bag's water volume). Repeat this process 3-4 times over 45-60 minutes.

3. Release the Fish: Gently net the fish out of the bag and release them into the main tank. Do not pour the water from the bag into your aquarium.

• Stress reduction tips: Dim the aquarium lights or turn them off for the first few hours. Keep the area around the tank quiet; avoid loud noises or constant movement.

Grower’s Selection Standards 

We take pride in handpicking each Blue Turquoise Discus based on strict criteria:

• Size: Reaching appropriate size benchmarks for their age, ensuring steady growth.

• Health: Fish must be active, swim readily, show no signs of disease (fungus, ich, fin rot), deformities. Fins and scales must be intact, eyes clear.

• Color and Pattern: The blue/turquoise coloration must be vibrant, and patterns should be distinct and representative of a high-quality Blue Turquoise strain.

Shipping & Guarantees

• Shipping: Offer professional shipping options, carefully packed with sufficient oxygen, ensuring the fish's safety during transit. Flat-rate shipping options may be available (e.g., as low as $30 depending on location).

• Live Arrival Guarantee: We provide a 100% guarantee that fish arrive alive and healthy. We offer a refund or replacement policy for any DOA (Dead On Arrival) cases, provided the customer supplies clear photo/video evidence according to our policy.

Conclusion

The Blue Turquoise Discus truly is a "living aquamarine gem" capable of transforming your aquarium into a work of art. While they demand dedication and specific care, their captivating beauty and elegance bring immense joy and pride to any aquarist. If you are prepared to meet their needs, don't hesitate to add this stunning centerpiece to your collection and enjoy the mesmerizing presence of the "king of the aquarium."