A Guide for the New Enthusiast – How to Buy Young Disks Safely

Choosing the best baby discus requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure you choose healthy, high-quality specimens. Here are some key tips to help you choose the best baby discus for your aquarium:

Reliable Source: Buy your discus from a reputable and trusted source. Look for reputable breeders or reputable aquarium stores known for healthy and well-cared for fish. This helps minimize the risk of acquiring sick or stressed discus.

Health and Appearance: Carefully examine your discus for signs of good health. Look for clear, bright eyes; vibrant and undamaged fins; smooth, unblemished skin; and active swimming. Avoid fish that appear lethargic, have torn or discolored fins, are panting or breathing rapidly, or show signs of visible parasites or disease.

Size and Shape: Choose discus with a rounded and symmetrical body shape. Avoid specimens that appear thin, emaciated, or have an asymmetrical body structure. Healthy young discus should exhibit a plump appearance and a proportionate body size.

Coloration: While young discus may not exhibit the full coloration of an adult, look for fish with distinct and clear patterns. Colors should be vibrant and evenly distributed. Avoid discus with light or faded colors, uneven color distribution, or excessive stress stripes (horizontal stripes).

Behavior: Observe the behavior of your discus. Healthy specimens should swim actively and confidently. Look for fish that are curious, interact with their surroundings, and show interest in food. Avoid fish that are shy, constantly hide, or exhibit abnormal behavior such as excessive aggression or excessive shyness.

Feeding Response: Young discus should have a healthy appetite and be eager to eat. If possible, ask your dealer to feed the fish while you observe their response to feeding. Avoid discus that show no interest in food or have difficulty eating.

Water Conditions: Ask about the water parameters the discus was raised in. Discus are sensitive to water quality, so it is important to choose fish raised in the right conditions. Make sure the water parameters in your tank are similar to what the discus was accustomed to, to minimize stress during acclimation.

Quarantine: It is always recommended to quarantine new discus before introducing them to the main aquarium. This helps prevent the spread of potential diseases to the existing fish population. Quarantine also allows you to closely monitor the new fish for any signs of disease and provide appropriate treatment if necessary.

By taking these factors into account and being patient with the selection process, you can increase your chances of bringing healthy and thriving young discus into your aquarium. Be sure to provide them with the right conditions, proper nutrition, and regular care to ensure their well-being for a long time.