Page 145 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

CICHLIDS/DISCUS 143

Blue and red
Interlinking fin coloring
random lines Even depth
of color

Faint traces
of banding
on the flanks
Snakeskin Discus These attractive fish are individually Yellow Panda Discus The depth of coloration in this Cobalt Blue Discus As its name suggests, this variety
patterned, with their markings said to resemble the case is typically like that of a yellow canary, with some displays a rich blue color over its entire body and is
scaled patterning of a snake. white markings in evidence. largely free of darker markings.
Breeding pairs must be housed on their own in
a tank that contains rockwork, such as slate, on
which the fish can spawn. If the tank incorporates a
thermostatic heater, this should be kept in a special
heater guard; otherwise, any eggs that are laid near it
will be destroyed. Prior to spawning, the fish clean
their chosen site, where the female subsequently
deposits 200–400 eggs. Pairs spawning for the first Reddish-
time may eat their eggs, particularly if they are orange Random
disturbed during this period. Even so, the pair will shade spotted
probably spawn again before long, especially if live patterning
foods feature prominently in their diet. It can take
up to ten attempts before they are successful. Blue Orange Discus The origins of this variety are thought Blue Spotted Snakeskin Discus The lines of the
Discus show great parental care and often help the to lie in Asia. The coloration of these discus can be snakeskin form are reduced to a pattern of separate
fry to hatch from their eggs (see box, bottom right). intensified by color-feeding (see p.49). spots here, on the flanks.
Red-Spotted Leopard Discus Vivid red Slight hump
markings set against a blue background typify indicates male NOURISHING THE YOUNG
this variety, but not all fish from the same
spawning are necessarily well marked.
Discus fry are often seen swimming alongside
their parents, nibbling at their flanks. They do
this to obtain discus milk —a secretion that
adults produce to nourish the fry. The “milk”
may also contain immunoglobulins to protect
the young fish from infections until their own
immune systems are fully functioning. Discus
fry that grow up with their parents develop
at a faster rate than those reared in isolation,
indicating the benefit of discus milk.

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