Red Melon Discus

The a stunning freshwater cichlid admired for its vibrant orange-red colouration and graceful, disc-shaped body. Selectively bred for its rich solid colouring and elegant finnage, this variety has become a favourite among serious aquarists and planted aquarium enthusiasts alike. Their calm swimming behaviour and striking appearance make them a true centrepiece fish in large tropical aquariums.

Discus are often regarded as one of the most rewarding fish to keep, but they do require stable water conditions and attentive care. thrive in warm, clean aquariums with peaceful tank mates and a nutritious, varied diet. When properly maintained, they display incredible colour intensity and engaging social behaviour.

Physical Characteristics:

- Adult Size:
Approximately 15–20cm
- Body Shape:
Round, laterally compressed disc-shaped body
- Colouration:
Bright orange-red to deep melon red body with subtle patterning depending on strain
- Sexual Dimorphism:
Males may develop slightly thicker foreheads and longer finnage, though sexes are difficult to distinguish visually
- Lifespan:
Approximately 8–12 years with proper care

Behaviour & Temperament:

- Temperament:
Peaceful and social
- Swimming Level:
Middle levels
- Social Behaviour:
Best kept in groups. Discus are schooling cichlids that feel more secure when housed with other discus.
- Recommended Group Size:
Minimum group of 5–6 individuals recommended

Aquarium Requirements

- Minimum Tank Size:
300 litres recommended for a group
- Water Temperature:
28–31°C
- pH Range:
5.8–7.0
- Water Hardness:
Soft to moderately soft water preferred
- Water Flow:
Gentle to moderate
- Substrate:
Fine gravel, sand, or bare-bottom setups
- Aquascape:
Driftwood, plants, open swimming areas, and calm environments
- Lighting:
Low to moderate lighting

Feeding:

require a high-quality varied diet to maintain health and colouration. Suitable Foods

- Premium discus pellets
- Frozen bloodworms
- Frozen brine shrimp
- Beefheart mixes (sparingly)
- High-quality tropical granules
- Vitamin-enriched frozen foods Feeding Frequency

Feed juveniles 3–5 times daily and adults 2–3 times daily in controlled portions.

Compatibility: Suitable Tank Mates

- Cardinal tetras
- Rummy nose tetras
- Corydoras catfish
- Peaceful plecos
- Rams and other peaceful dwarf cichlids Avoid Housing With

- Aggressive cichlids
- Fin nippers
- Fast, boisterous fish
- Cold-water species Breeding:

Spawning Type:
Egg layer

Difficulty:
Moderate to advanced

Notes:
Pairs typically lay eggs on vertical surfaces such as cones, pipes, or broad leaves. Fry feed on the parents’ mucus coating during early development. Special Considerations:

- Requires excellent water quality and stable conditions
- Sensitive to sudden parameter changes
- Warm water temperatures are essential
- Quarantine new fish carefully to prevent disease introduction
- Best suited for experienced aquarists or dedicated discus keepers

Product Photo is for reference only. Exact fish may vary in size and colour.