Symphysodon 'red melon'

A distinctive new variety of discus, this artifically created form is a watermelon-red on the flanks and fins, but pearl-coloured on the head. The eyes are red and the tail fin and back half of the anal and dorsal fins are much darker than the rest of the fish.

Discus are uniquely shaped cichlids and considered by many to be among the most handsome of all freshwater aquarium fish. They are peaceful and sociable, and must be kept in groups, preferably six or more.

While some aquarists keep them with very peaceful companions such as cardinal tetras, hatchet fish, and Corydoras, they are perhaps more often kept in single species tank. Discus need excellent water conditions, in particular low nitrate and phosphate levels, and the water must be soft and acidic.

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Fish information (behaviour and breeding):

Relatively peaceful, but can be territorial when breeding. Otherwise they enjoy being in groups, and if kept alone tend to be rather shy.

These fish are famous for being among the few fish that provide food for their offspring. Once the fry are free swimming, they 'graze' mucous from the flanks of the parents. After a week of this, the fry will also take newly hatched brine shrimp and liquid fry food.

Family Group:	Discus
Distribution	Brazil
Temperature	The ideal temperature range is 25-30C
Size	Approx 14cm
Water Parameters	Preferred water conditions are soft and acidic
Water PH	The pH should be less than 7, ideally around 6.

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Useful sources of information:

The Aqualog Special "Majestic Discus" is a great way to find out more about these wonderful fish. To buy a copy of this book click here

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Shop stock

The latest shops to have this fish in stock are listed below. Click on a shop name for full shop details, or click the link below the shops to view ALL shops that stock this fish.

	Maidenhead Aquatics@ Rutland	Oakham, Rutland	LE15 7QB
	Aquahome Aquatic Centre	Lancashire	PR25 5XW
	Maidenhead Aquatics@ Bracknell	Bracknell, Berkshire	RG42 4HA
	Maidenhead Aquatics@ Cambridge	Cambridge	CB23 7PJ
	Aquatic Design Centre	London	SW12 0PS

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Other fish added to TFF recently:

Other fish added to TFF/TF2YD recently can be viewed below.

	Scientific Name	Common Name
	Pseudacanthicus pitanga L024	L24, Red Fin Cactus Pleco
	Paraneetroplus synspilus	Red Head Quetzel Cichlid
	Piaractus brachypomus	Red Belly Pacu
	Astronotus Ocellatus 'yellow'	Lemon Yellow Oscar
	Cichlasoma sp. HYBRID	Flowerhorn Cichlid 'Short Body Super Red Dragon'