{"product_id":"checkerboard-discus","title":"Checkerboard Discus","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe checkerboard discus (\u003cem\u003eSymphysodon\u003c\/em\u003e sp.) is named for the blocky, grid-like arrangement of dark markings it carries over a lighter ground, a pattern that reads almost as squares across the flanks on well-marked fish. No two are identical, and the pattern usually tightens and gains contrast as the fish matures, so young stock gives only a rough guide to the adult look. Like all discus it is a disc-shaped cichlid from the warm, slow waters of the Amazon basin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeeds a tall tank; discus use vertical space more than length.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm, stable water at the upper end of the tropical range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequent partial water changes; discus respond badly to accumulated waste.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep in a group of five or more so aggression is spread rather than focused.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuality discus granules, frozen bloodworm and beefheart preparations, fed unhurried.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGive the tank time to settle before adding them; they are not a fish for a new setup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuits a keeper who enjoys watching a pattern develop over months rather than buying a finished fish. House them alone or with calm warm-water companions such as cardinal tetras and sterbai corydoras. Large plecos are a poor match, as some will rasp at the flanks of slow, flat-bodied fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/discus\"\u003ediscus\u003c\/a\u003e collection for what is available now.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tank Pets","offers":[{"title":"2.5”","offer_id":44025178882248,"sku":"99084","price":149.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0659\/9724\/2568\/files\/Checkerdiscus.png?v=1763935251","url":"https:\/\/www.tropicalfishimports.com\/products\/checkerboard-discus","provider":"Tropical Fish Imports ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}