Red Turquoise Discus

[jvision]

The thing with discus is that they'll set up a pecking order right quick, and the low man on the totem pole will soon be shown his/her place (unless you're extremely lucky and have a pair!). They do best grown out in groups of at least 4. Once they pair off, you can sell the excess fish, keeping just the pair.

[saltwatermaniac]

That is good to know I just wonder if these are a pair already becuase they really never leave each others sides!I also was wondering how long would it be until they breed(a.k.a how long until they are sexually mature)?

[Dave C]

At 2-3" long you'd better hope they don't breed for awhile. If they do they would be pretty stunted. They usually breed when they're about a year old and Discus usually get 5-6" in that time. They do better in larger groups, minimum 4 IME. Larger groups spread out the aggression and one fish typically won't get picked on by the others. With a pair at that size you inevitably get one bully and one whipping boy and the smaller one eats less, gets sick & dies. So by all means add a couple more at least. I'd consider quarantining new arrivals though. If you add more fish you should take a look at your water change regime and make sure you're keeping the tank clean. I've raised 50 fish in a 55g tank from 1/2" fry until they were 4" in size. But I had a large wet/dry filter, a couple HOT Magnums with micron and I changed 50% water 3x a week. So you can accomodate more fish if you maintain your tank properly.

[Carlos68]

I know have nine discus in my ninty gallon tank, and after the first few days, the pecking order is done..and everyone seems to get along okay. Thing with Discus, is they are a schooling fish of a sorts...