THE BRIGHT AND COLORFUL DISCUS FISH: SPRING 2017 AQUARIUM TRENDS

Spring 2017 Color Trends: Popular Discus Strains

The current landscape of Discus keeping is dominated by stunning cultivated varieties that have been meticulously bred for stability and vibrance. While wild-caught Discus, such as the Heckel or the Brown Discus, remain favorites for biotope purists, the 2017 trend is all about high-contrast "designer" strains. Leading the pack this spring are the Pigeon Blood varieties. These fish are beloved because they lack the vertical stress bars found in wild fish, resulting in a clean, bright orange or red cream base that looks spectacular under modern LED lighting.

Another massive trend this season is the "Blue Diamond" and "Cobalt" strains. These solid-colored fish offer a shimmering, metallic blue sheen that provides a cooling contrast to the warm greens of a planted aquarium. If you prefer intricate patterns, the "Leopard Skin" and "Snake Skin" varieties are currently in high demand. These fish feature fine, web-like spotting across their flanks that creates a sense of movement even when the fish is stationary. For those looking for something truly unique, keep an eye out for "Albino Platinum" strains, which offer a ghostly, pearlescent white glow that can make a dark-themed tank pop.

• Pigeon Blood: Famous for their bright red patterns on a white or cream base.
• Blue Diamond: A solid, iridescent blue fish that lacks any vertical bars or spotting.
• Turquoise Discus: A classic hybrid featuring striations of brilliant green and blue over a red base.
• Checkerboard Red: A variation of the Pigeon Blood with a distinct, repeating grid-like pattern.
• Marlboro Red: A solid, deep orange-to-red strain that serves as a high-visibility centerpiece.

The Ideal Setup: Modern Tank Requirements

One of the biggest shifts we are seeing this year is the move toward larger, more stable environments. A common beginner mistake is attempting to keep a school of Discus in a 40-gallon tank. Because these fish are social and should be kept in groups of at least five or six, the minimum recommended size for a Discus community is 55 to 75 gallons. Discus are tall fish, so vertical height is just as important as length. This provides them with the "flight space" they need when they feel spooked, preventing them from hitting the glass or decor.

Water quality remains the cornerstone of Discus health. These fish are native to the soft, acidic waters of the Amazon, but many tank-bred varieties available in 2017 are more adaptable to neutral pH levels. However, they are still extremely sensitive to nitrate levels. To maintain their vibrant colors and prevent disease, you should aim for nitrates consistently below 10 ppm. This often requires a robust filtration system and a dedicated water change schedule. Before you bring your first group home, make sure you have mastered the process of cycling a fish tank to ensure a biologically stable environment from day one.

Temperature is another non-negotiable factor. Unlike standard tropical community fish that thrive at 78 degrees, Discus require much warmer water, typically between 82 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. This higher temperature speeds up their metabolism and helps keep their immune systems active. When designing your tank, ensure your heaters are high-quality and distributed evenly to prevent cold spots. Using a digital controller is a great way to safeguard against heater failure, which can be devastating for such high-value fish.

Compatibility: Choosing Tank Mates for Discus

Finding the right neighbors for Discus is a balancing act of temperature tolerance and temperament. Because Discus are slow-moving, graceful, and sometimes shy, they should not be housed with aggressive "fin-nippers" like Tiger Barbs or very large, boisterous cichlids. The goal is to choose companions that share the Discus’s love for heat and soft water. Small, peaceful schooling fish are the best choice, as they act as "dither fish," showing the Discus that it is safe to swim out in the open.

Rummy Nose Tetras and Cardinal Tetras are the gold standard for Discus companions. Not only do their colors complement the Discus beautifully, but they also thrive in the same mid-80s temperature range. For the bottom of the tank, Sterba’s Corydoras are the preferred choice over other Cory species because they are specifically adapted to warmer tropical waters. Avoid "Common Plecos" as they can grow large and may develop a taste for the Discus's protective slime coat; instead, opt for the smaller, heat-loving Bristlenose Pleco to help with algae management. Always research the basics of freshwater fish compatibility to avoid expensive and stressful mistakes.

• Cardinal Tetras: Offer brilliant blue and red stripes and handle high temperatures well.
• Rummy Nose Tetras: Excellent schoolers that act as an "early warning system" for water quality.
• Sterba’s Corydoras: One of the few catfish that thrives in the 84-degree Discus range.
• German Blue Rams: Small, colorful cichlids that occupy the lower third of the tank and share similar water needs.
• Bristlenose Plecos: Effective algae eaters that generally leave Discus alone.

Diet and Nutrition: Maintaining Color and Growth

To keep your Discus looking like the "Spring 2017" trends, nutrition is paramount. Discus are primarily carnivorous and require a diet rich in protein. While high-quality flakes and pellets can be part of their diet, most successful keepers rely heavily on frozen or live foods. Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and beef heart are staples. In fact, many hobbyists create their own beef heart mixes, blending in spinach, garlic, and vitamins to boost growth and immune response.

Feeding frequency is also a key factor, especially for juvenile fish. Young Discus (under 4 inches) should be fed three to five times a day to ensure they reach their full potential size and shape. As they mature, this can be reduced to twice a day. However, frequent feeding leads to rapid waste accumulation. This is why the "Discus lifestyle" often involves 50% water changes once or twice a week. If you notice your fish becoming dark in color or hiding in the corners, it is often a sign that the water is "tired" and needs a refresh. Monitoring the dangers of high ammonia, nitrite and nitrate is especially critical during the heavy feeding phases of juvenile growth.

To enhance the specific colors of your strains, look for foods containing natural pigments. For red strains, foods with astaxanthin or krill meal can help deepen the hues. For blue strains, spirulina-based pellets can keep the iridescence sharp. A varied diet not only ensures physical health but also prevents "boredom" and helps maintain the social hierarchy within the school, as the fish will compete healthily during feeding times.

Advanced Care: Disease Prevention and Social Dynamics

Discus are social creatures that establish a clear "pecking order." This is why keeping them in a group of at least six is so important; in smaller groups, the dominant fish may relentlessly bully the weakest member, leading to stress-induced illness. When a Discus is stressed, it will often turn dark, clamp its fins, and stop eating. At the first sign of this, you should check your water parameters and observe the group dynamics. Sometimes, simply rearranging the driftwood or adding more plants to break up lines of sight can diffuse territorial aggression.

"Hole-in-the-Head" (HITH) and internal parasites are the two most common health issues faced by Discus keepers. HITH is often linked to mineral deficiencies and poor water quality. Using a high-quality water conditioner and ensuring a varied diet can prevent this. Internal parasites often manifest as white, stringy feces or a loss of weight despite a healthy appetite. Quarantine is essential; never add a new Discus directly to your main display tank without a 4-week observation period. This is the single most effective way to protect your investment and keep your community thriving.

• Weekly Water Changes: Aim for at least 30-50% to keep nitrates as close to zero as possible.
• Observation: Spend 10 minutes a day watching your fish eat; a Discus that refuses food is a Discus in trouble.
• Slime Coat Health: Use conditioners that support the natural mucus layer, which is vital for their immune defense.
• Pecking Order Management: Adding a new fish? Rearrange the tank decor to "reset" territories.
• Substrate Choice: Use fine sand or a bare bottom for easier cleaning of uneaten high-protein foods.

Designing the Discus Show Tank

The 2017 trend for Discus is the "Nature Aquarium" style. This involves using large pieces of Manzanita driftwood that reach toward the surface, mimicking the sunken branches of the Amazon River. Plants like Amazon Swords, Jungle Val, and various Cryptocorynes are excellent choices because they can tolerate the higher temperatures Discus require. These plants provide the fish with natural hiding spots while helping to absorb excess nitrates.

Lighting should be bright enough for the plants but not so intense that it washes out the colors of the fish. Many modern LED systems allow you to program a "sunset" and "sunrise," which prevents the fish from being startled by the lights suddenly flicking on. For substrate, a light-colored cosmetic sand is often preferred. It reflects light upward, highlighting the bellies of the fish, and makes it very easy to see and siphon out uneaten food. By combining these aesthetic elements with rigorous maintenance, you create a living piece of art that serves as the focal point of any room.

Takeaway: Is the King of the Aquarium Right for You?

Keeping Discus in 2017 is more rewarding than ever before. With the incredible variety of strains available and a wealth of information at our fingertips, the barrier to entry has lowered significantly for the dedicated hobbyist. While they do require more work than your average tropical fish—specifically regarding temperature control and water changes—the payoff is a tank filled with unmatched color and grace. Success with Discus comes down to consistency: consistent water parameters, consistent feeding, and a consistent eye for detail. If you are willing to put in the effort, the Discus will reward you with years of beauty and a truly world-class aquarium experience. Ready to start your Discus journey? Check out our gallery of user-submitted tanks at RateMyFishTank.com for inspiration, and join our forums to connect with other Discus enthusiasts who are leading the trends this spring! Would you like me to help you create a specific equipment list for a new 75-gallon Discus setup?