{"product_id":"red-checkerboard-discus-symphysodon-sp-red-checkerboard","title":"Red Checkerboard Discus | Symphysodon sp. 'Red Checkerboard'","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eOften called the 'king of the aquarium', the Discus is a serene, disc-shaped centrepiece unlike anything else in the hobby. This Red Checkerboard strain lays a fine net of red over a pale body for an intricate, jewel-like finish. Reaching around 15–20 cm, discus are stately and rewarding, but they demand warm, soft, spotlessly clean water and are best kept in a group — a fish for the committed keeper.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiscus are domesticated forms descended from Symphysodon of the slow, warm, soft and acidic blackwaters of the Amazon basin, where they shelter among submerged roots and branches. Captive strains like this one still expect very warm, soft, clean, tannin-friendly water and a calm, shaded tank.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA tall, laterally-compressed, near-circular fish that swims with almost regal poise. This strain shows a fine red reticulated 'checkerboard' pattern netted across a pale cream-to-white base, extending into the fins. As a bred strain, pattern intensity varies between individuals and deepens with good care.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeaceful but demanding. Discus are shy, slow feeders that dislike boisterous company and do best in a group of five or more, where they settle and form a loose social order. They are not difficult because of aggression but because of their exacting water-quality and temperature needs.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA carnivore-leaning omnivore that takes quality discus pellets and flake, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and mysis, and specialised discus foods. They are slow, deliberate feeders, so several small feeds a day suit them, and tankmates must not out-compete them at feeding time.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum of around 250 L for a group, with taller tanks suiting their body shape. The key is warmth and cleanliness: 28–30 °C, soft acidic water (pH 6.0–7.0, GH 1–8) and frequent, generous water changes to keep nitrate very low. Discus are intolerant of poor or fluctuating conditions, which is what makes them an advanced fish.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiscus are among the most fascinating cichlids to breed — a bonded pair spawns on a vertical surface, guards the eggs, and the free-swimming fry then feed on a nutritious mucus the parents secrete over their bodies. Success demands very soft, warm, immaculate water and a settled pair, making it a rewarding advanced project.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003ctable\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSymphysodon sp. 'Red Checkerboard'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRed Checkerboard Discus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDomesticated strain (wild ancestors from the Amazon basin, South America)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 15–20 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–15 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful (demanding)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdvanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e250 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e300 L or larger for a group\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore\/omnivore: discus pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e28–30 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.0–7.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoft, around 1–8 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWarm, soft-water species aquariums for experienced keepers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes (though the very warm water limits plant choices)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eBest kept in a group of their own kind, optionally with gentle, warmth-tolerant companions such as cardinal and rummynose tetras, small peaceful catfish like Corydoras sterbai, and sedate dither fish. Choose only calm species that will not out-compete them for food.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid boisterous, fast or nippy fish, most barbs, aggressive cichlids, and any cool-water species, as discus need consistent high temperatures. Cooler, harder or fluctuating water and rough tankmates are the quickest way to stress them.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232832831779,"sku":"AA3845","price":75.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232832864547,"sku":"AA3846","price":135.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232832897315,"sku":"BA8739","price":190.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"X-Large (15-20cm)","offer_id":55351969972515,"sku":null,"price":220.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Red_Checkerboard_Discus_edd9ab45-a651-40f9-8818-01e4bb740411.jpg?v=1781700214","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/red-checkerboard-discus-symphysodon-sp-red-checkerboard","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}