Eruption Discus

The eruption discus (Symphysodon sp.) is one of the newer patterned lines, carrying irregular red-orange blotches that break across a pale cream or white body rather than forming stripes or bars. The placement of those patches varies from fish to fish, which is much of the appeal, and colour generally deepens as the fish grows and is conditioned on good food. Discus are Amazonian cichlids, and their care follows from the warm, quiet water they come from.

Aquarium care

• Tall aquarium with generous depth front to back.
• Warm water held near the top of the tropical range without swings.
• Clean water above all: regular partial changes, light stocking, good mechanical filtration.
• Group of five or more, or a settled pair.
• Colour holds up best on a varied diet of discus granules, frozen bloodworm and beefheart blends.
• Subdued lighting and a darker background help them settle and show colour.

Best for a keeper who wants an individual fish rather than a matched set. Companions should be calm and warm-tolerant, such as cardinal tetras or rummy nose tetras; leave out anything fast enough to strip the food before the discus begin.

Stock rotates with each shipment, and livestock is sold for local pickup at our Lethbridge store. Browse what is in stock in the discus collection.