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The Discus Red Melon (10-12 cm) is a vibrant and eye-catching freshwater fish known for its intense red coloration, making it one of the most popular varieties of Discus in the aquarium hobby. This medium-sized Discus is a striking addition to any aquascape, offering a combination of beauty, elegance, and grace. The Red Melon Discus is perfect for aquarists seeking a stunning centerpiece for a community tank or a Discus-dedicated setup.

Size: At 10-12 cm, this Red Melon Discus is in its juvenile to sub-adult stage, but it can grow up to 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in diameter when fully mature.

Color: The Red Melon Discus boasts an intense, solid red or orange-red body, with the color extending throughout the body and fins. The intensity of the red color becomes more pronounced as the fish matures. The eyes of the Red Melon Discus often have a bright red hue, complementing the body color.

Shape: As typical for Discus fish, the Red Melon has a round, flat body with a smooth, streamlined appearance. Its large, flowing fins and elegant swimming style make it a graceful presence in any tank.

Tank Size: A minimum of 227 to 340 litres is recommended for keeping Discus fish, especially in a group of five or more to ensure a social and stress-free environment. If keeping just one or two fish, a smaller tank may suffice, but space is always appreciated by Discus fish for swimming.

Temperature: Discus thrive in warm water, and the optimal temperature range for Red Melon Discus is 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F).

pH: A slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0-7.0 is ideal for this species.

Water Hardness: Soft water with a hardness level of 1-8 dGH is best suited for the Red Melon Discus, as they prefer lower mineral content.

Filtration: A high-quality filtration system is essential for maintaining excellent water quality. Discus fish are sensitive to water impurities, so regular water changes of about 25-30% weekly are crucial.

Aquascaping: A planted tank with driftwood, rocks, and broad-leaf plants such as Amazon Swords creates a suitable habitat for Red Melon Discus. They enjoy swimming among plants and hiding in the cover of driftwood. Ensure there are also open areas for them to swim freely.

Lighting: Moderate lighting works well, highlighting the vivid red color of the fish without causing stress.

Social Nature: The Red Melon Discus is a peaceful, social species that does best when kept in groups. Discus fish are known to thrive in a community setting with other Discus or similarly peaceful tankmates. Keeping them in groups of five or more promotes natural behavior and reduces stress.

Tankmates: Suitable tankmates for the Red Melon Discus include tetras, dwarf cichlids, plecos, and corydoras. It is important to avoid aggressive species or fast swimmers that may outcompete the Discus for food or stress them.

Feeding: As omnivores, the Red Melon Discus enjoys a varied diet. High-quality Discus pellets or flakes, along with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia, are essential for their nutrition. Feeding should be done 1-2 times a day, with care not to overfeed.