{"product_id":"red-checkerboard-pigeon-discus-symphysodon-sp-red-checkerboard-pigeon","title":"Red Checkerboard Pigeon Discus | Symphysodon sp. 'Red Checkerboard Pigeon'","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA Pigeon-blood Red Checkerboard Discus — its fine red lattice set against the warm, pale base of the pigeon bloodline for a soft, glowing finish. Like all discus, this is the 'king of the aquarium': a serene, disc-shaped centrepiece that reaches around 15–20 cm but demands warm, soft, spotlessly clean water and the company of its own kind. A rewarding 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, acidic blackwaters of the Amazon basin, where they hide among submerged roots and branches. Pigeon-blood strains like this one still expect very warm, soft, clean water and a calm, shaded aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA tall, rounded, laterally-compressed fish of graceful bearing. This strain combines the fine red reticulated 'checkerboard' netting with the pale, warm base and reduced dark barring of the pigeon-blood line, often with a peppering of small dark flecks. As a bred strain, each fish's pattern varies and intensifies with good care.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeaceful but shy and demanding. Discus are slow, deliberate feeders that dislike rough company and do best in a group of five or more, where they settle and establish a gentle social order. Their challenge is water quality and warmth, not aggression.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA carnivore-leaning omnivore taking quality discus pellets and flake, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis and specialised discus foods. They feed slowly, so offer several small meals a day and make sure tankmates do not steal their share.\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 shape. Warmth and cleanliness are everything: 28–30 °C, soft acidic water (pH 6.0–7.0, GH 1–8) and frequent, generous water changes to keep nitrate very low. Their intolerance of poor or fluctuating water is what makes discus an advanced fish.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA bonded discus pair spawns on a vertical surface, guards the eggs, and the free-swimming fry feed on a nutritious mucus secreted over the parents' bodies — one of the most remarkable sights in the hobby. It demands very soft, warm, immaculate water and a settled pair, but is 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 Pigeon'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRed Checkerboard Pigeon 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 in a group of their own kind, optionally with gentle, warmth-tolerant companions such as cardinal and rummynose tetras, small peaceful Corydoras like C. sterbai, and calm dither fish that will not out-compete them at feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid fast, boisterous or nippy fish, most barbs, aggressive cichlids and all cool-water species. Cooler, harder or unstable water and rough tankmates quickly stress discus.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232833782051,"sku":null,"price":130.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232833814819,"sku":"BA8394","price":150.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232833847587,"sku":null,"price":175.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Red_Checkerboard_Pigeon_Discus_afb947c9-4fe2-409f-b84f-4bb18671e219.jpg?v=1781700216","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/red-checkerboard-pigeon-discus-symphysodon-sp-red-checkerboard-pigeon","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}