Brilliant Turquoise Discus - Stendker - Symphysodon Aequifasciatus

The Brilliant Turquoise Discus (Symphysodon Aequifasciatus) is a striking variety of discus fish, renowned for its vibrant turquoise coloration and distinctive patterning. This species is popular among aquarists due to its stunning appearance and relatively calm temperament, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced fish keepers.

Habitat:

A minimum tank size of 190 litres (50 gallons) is recommended for a small group of Brilliant Turquoise Discus, as they appreciate open swimming space.

• Substrate and Decorations: A soft substrate is recommended, along with plenty of hiding spots created by plants and decorations. Live plants such as Amazon swords or Java ferns can enhance their environment.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is best for showcasing their vibrant colours while providing shaded areas for comfort.
• Filtration: A strong filtration system is necessary to maintain water quality. Regular water changes (about 20% weekly) are essential to keep the tank clean and healthy.

Diet:

Brilliant Turquoise Discus are omnivorous and require a varied diet to maintain their health:

• Pellets: High-quality discus-specific pellets should form the staple of their diet.
• Live or Frozen Foods: Offer live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia to provide essential protein and variety.
• Occasional Treats: Freeze-dried foods or high-quality flakes can be offered occasionally, but should not make up the main diet.

Tank Mates:

They thrive in a well-maintained community tank, provided that tankmates are peaceful and not overly aggressive.

Behavioural Traits:

Brilliant Turquoise Discus are generally peaceful and can be housed in community tanks with compatible species. However, they can be territorial during breeding. They are active swimmers and enjoy exploring their environment. Discus are known for their social behaviour and often prefer to be kept in groups. 

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: They thrive in warm water, with an ideal temperature range of 28°C to 31°C (82°F to 88°F).
• pH: Discus prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) of 1-10 dGH, is ideal.