Symphysodon aequifasciatus var.
Also known as: Fire Red Discus, Red Discus
Origin: Captive bred (originally Southeast Asian hatcheries)
The Fire Red Discus sits at the extreme warm end of the red discus colour range — a blazing, unbroken red that suggests heat and energy. Bred for maximum colour saturation and an exceptionally rounded, deep body profile, Fire Red specimens in peak condition rank among the most intensely coloured of all discus varieties.
Maintaining this level of colour saturation requires a rigorous regimen: warm, soft, acidic water with near-zero nitrates; a diet dominated by astaxanthin-rich, colour-enhancing foods; and a stress-free environment. Any compromise causes rapid fading to a flat orange-red tone.
Fire Red is an excellent partner to cool-toned blue and white strains in a display aquarium, the vivid red providing an unmistakable warm focal point within the group.
Water: 28-31°C, pH 5.5-7.0, soft (1-8 dGH), KH 0-4; very low nitrates for maximum colour intensity. Tank: Minimum 250 L, dark substrate and background, moderate warm lighting to intensify the red. Feeding: Astaxanthin-dominant diet: colour-enhancing pellets, beefheart, frozen bloodworm, krill. Breeding: Open spawner; reliable in stable pair tank conditions; both parents actively guard fry. Compatibility: Excellent with other discus, cardinal tetras, rummynose tetras, peaceful Amazonian catfish.
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