Tiger Snake Discus

The tiger snake discus (Symphysodon sp.) is a snakeskin-derived line in which the fine overall striping is crossed by bolder dark barring, giving a stronger, more graphic look than a plain snakeskin fish. The strength of that barring varies with the individual and shifts with mood, so a fish that appears heavily marked one day can look softer the next. Discus are South American cichlids from warm, slow, tannin-stained water.

Aquarium care

• Tall aquarium rather than a long, low one.
• Warm, stable water at the upper end of the tropical range.
• Regular partial water changes and a lightly stocked tank.
• Keep five or more so no single fish takes the pressure.
• Discus granules, frozen bloodworm and beefheart preparations, fed without rush.
• Bar contrast changes with mood and background; a settled fish shows the pattern best.

Suits a keeper who wants a bolder pattern than the standard snakeskin lines offer. Calm, warm-tolerant fish such as cardinal tetras and sterbai corydoras are appropriate tankmates; boisterous or fin-nipping species are not.

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