{"product_id":"red-melon-discus-symphysodon-sp-red-melon","title":"Red Melon Discus | Symphysodon sp. 'Red Melon'","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Red Melon is a soft, solid melon-red Discus strain with a gentle glow — one of the most refined of the line-bred colour forms. Often called the king of the aquarium, Discus are serene, disc-shaped and stately, reaching 15–20 cm across, but they demand warm, soft, spotlessly clean water and are best kept in a group of five or more. A rewarding centrepiece for the committed keeper.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWild Symphysodon come from the slow, warm blackwater and clearwater tributaries of the Amazon basin, among submerged roots and leaf litter where the water is very warm, soft, acidic and stained with tannins. The Red Melon is a captive-bred strain, but it retains those demanding requirements: consistently warm, mineral-poor, pristine water.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA tall, laterally compressed disc of even melon-orange to red, with minimal patterning that shows off the clean, solid colour. The red deepens with good diet, colour-enhancing foods and stress-free conditions. Both sexes are similar, though dominant fish carry the richest, most saturated tones.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePeaceful, gentle and rather shy, Discus establish a soft pecking order within the group. They should be kept only with calm, warm-water companions and never with boisterous or nippy fish. A group of five or more spreads out any squabbling and helps them settle and display naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA carnivore-leaning omnivore. Offer high-quality Discus flake and granules, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and specialist beef-heart mixes. Feed small amounts several times a day and remove uneaten food promptly, as Discus are sensitive to any decline in water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum of around 250 L for a group, with 300 L or larger better, and a tall tank suits their body shape. Keep temperature warm at 28–30 °C, pH 5.5–7.0 and GH soft, around 1–8. Immaculate water is essential: strong filtration, frequent large water changes and stable parameters. This is an advanced fish that will not tolerate neglect. It is plant safe, though warmth-tolerant plants such as Echinodorus are needed.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiscus are substrate spawners that lay eggs on a vertical surface and, remarkably, the fry feed on a nutritious mucus secreted from the parents' flanks. Breeding is achievable for the experienced keeper who provides very soft, warm, clean water and a settled, bonded pair.\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 Melon'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRed Melon Discus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCaptive-bred strain (wild type: Amazon basin, South America)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15–20 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–15 years with excellent care\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\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore\/omnivore: Discus flake, granules, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, beef-heart mixes\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\u003e5.5–7.0\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 planted display 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 (warmth-tolerant plants)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include cardinal and rummy-nose tetras, other warm-water tetras, dwarf cichlids such as rams, small peaceful corydoras and other Discus.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with boisterous or fin-nipping fish, fast feeders that out-compete them, cool-water species such as goldfish, and any large or aggressive cichlid. Avoid hard, alkaline or cool water.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232833650979,"sku":null,"price":145.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232833683747,"sku":null,"price":165.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232833716515,"sku":"BA8438","price":190.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"X-Large (15-20cm)","offer_id":55351970169123,"sku":null,"price":220.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Red_Melon_Discus_c92fd251-cfae-4608-bbdb-2b2fd8f6b1b7.jpg?v=1781700217","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/red-melon-discus-symphysodon-sp-red-melon","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}