Description
General Information:
The Discus Thailand Red Coat is a breathtakingly vibrant variant of the Discus fish, celebrated for its uniform deep red coloration. This selectively bred strain is a favourite among hobbyists who appreciate its intense, fiery appearance and graceful swimming. While more delicate than other fish, its beauty and elegance make it a prized addition to any well-maintained aquarium.
Species Overview:
- Species: Symphysodon sp.
- Common Name: Discus Thailand Red Coat
- Origin: Line-bred variant (Amazon River basin ancestry)
- Diet: Omnivorous
- pH Range: 6.0–7.5
- Temperature: 28°C–30°C (82°F–86°F)
- Max Size: 15–20 cm (6–8 inches)
- Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons
Water Quality:
The Thailand Red Coat thrives in warm, soft, slightly acidic water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Pristine water conditions are critical, requiring frequent water changes and high-quality filtration. A calm environment with fine sand, driftwood, and broad-leaved plants helps mimic their natural habitat and reduce stress.
Feeding:
As omnivores, Thailand Red Coats require a varied diet of high-quality Discus pellets, flakes, and frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Supplementing with vegetable-based foods, like spirulina or finely chopped spinach, enhances their vibrant red hues. Feed them 2–3 times daily, ensuring all food is consumed within a few minutes to maintain water quality.
Tank Mates:
Thailand Red Coats are peaceful and thrive with tank mates that share their calm demeanor. Ideal companions include small schooling fish like neon or cardinal tetras, peaceful dwarf cichlids, and bottom-dwellers such as Corydoras catfish. Avoid housing them with aggressive or overly active species that may cause stress or outcompete them for food.
Sexing:
Distinguishing between males and females can be challenging, as both display the same striking red coloration. Males are often slightly larger and more streamlined, while females may appear rounder, particularly during breeding. Close observation during spawning may help identify each sex.
Breeding:
Thailand Red Coats are egg-layers, preferring to spawn on flat surfaces like broad leaves or smooth rocks. Both parents participate in guarding and caring for the eggs, which hatch within 2–3 days. After hatching, the fry feed on a nutrient-rich mucus secreted by their parents, an extraordinary feature of Discus care.
Maximum Size and Longevity:
These Discus can grow up to 20 cm (8 inches) and live 10–15 years with proper care. Stable water parameters, a spacious tank, and a balanced diet are key factors in ensuring their long and healthy life.
Fun Fact:
The Thailand Red Coat’s dazzling red coloration is a result of years of selective breeding, making it a living gem in the aquarium world and a true showstopper in any aquarist’s collection.
