The article in brief
Discus fish, with their shimmering colours, fascinate aquarists with their varied and dazzling palette of colours. Let's discover their secrets:
- The carotenoidsin particular astaxanthin, are essential for their bright colours
- Food plays a role crucial in the intensity of the colours
- La genetics and the nervous system also influence colouration
- There are a multitude of varieties, from single-coloured to "chameleons changing
- An optimal environment and attentive care sublimate their colours
Ah, the discus! These magnificent fish with their shimmering colours are the pride of many an aquarist. As a pet shop floor manager, I never tire of admiring their varied, brilliant hues. Let me guide you through the interesting world of colours of these aquatic jewels.
The secrets of discus' dazzling hues
The importance of carotenoids
The discus colours are not the result of chance. They depend to a large extent on carotenoids, the natural pigments produced by plants and animals. algae. These substances play a crucial role in the colouring of our finned friends. I've always been fascinated by the way nature creates such rich colour palettes!
Astaxanthin is the star carotenoid for enhancing the colour of our discus. It is found mainly in :
- Krill
- Microalgae
- Prawns
This magical molecule brings out the reds and oranges spectacularly. I still remember the first time I fed my discus a food enriched with astaxanthin - what a transformation!
Other natural sources of pigments
But astaxanthin is not the only player in this colourful show. Other natural ingredients are also part of the party:
- Paprika for orange tones
- Corn and egg yolk for yellow tones
- Spirulina for bluish highlights
It's like having a painter's palette at your disposal to create discus fish in stunning colours!
Factors influencing colour
Although food is essential, it is not the only factor that determines the colour of our discus. Three factors come into play:
- Genetics
- The nervous system
- Food
It's a bit like a secret recipe: you need all the ingredients to get the perfect result!
The infinite range of discus varieties
You may not believe it, but there are a multitude of varieties of discus, each with its own chromatic characteristics. It's a veritable aquatic rainbow!
Single-coloured discus: minimalist elegance
First, let's talk about single-coloured discus. These fish are truly minimalist works of art. You'll find specimens :
| Colour | Intensity |
|---|---|
| Blue | 100% or 90% uni |
| Orange | 100% or 90% uni |
| Yellow | 100% or 90% uni |
| Brown | 100% or 90% uni |
| White | 100% or 90% uni |
| Red | 100% or 90% uni |
I still remember this customer who was stunned by a royal blue discus at 100%. It was like looking at a live sapphire!
Chameleon discus: the art of change
Did you know that discus can change colour? That's right, these little rascals are real aquatic chameleons! Their colour can vary according to their state of stress or health. It's captivating to watch, but beware: a sudden change in colour may be a sign of trouble.
I've seen a discus go from bright red to dull grey in a matter of minutes due to stress. Fortunately, with the right care, it quickly regained its lustre! It's a bit like telescopic fishwhich can also change colour over time.
Nutrition: the key to radiant colour
To maintain and enhance these fabulous colours, nothing beats the right diet. Special foods for discus are real beauty cocktails for our aquatic friends. They generally contain :
- High protein levels (50-53%)
- An abundance of vitamins
- Colour-enhancing ingredients (krill, seaweed, paprika, astaxanthin)
- Sometimes probiotics or garlic to boost immunity
These foods often come in the form of slow-immersion pellets, which are perfectly suited to the way discus eat. I always recommend feeding these beauties 2 or 3 times a day, in small quantities. It's a bit like serving them a gourmet menu at every meal!
The art of enhancing the colours of your discus
Now that we've explored the secrets of discus colours, let's talk a little about how you can show them off in your aquarium. It's a bit like being the director of an aquatic show!
First of all, lighting plays a crucial role. Well-chosen lighting can really bring out the subtle nuances in your discus. I've seen aquariums where discus literally seemed to glow from within thanks to well thought-out LED lighting.
Next, don't forget the decor. Green plants and a dark substrate can create a striking contrast with the bright colours of your discus. It's a bit like creating a backdrop to show off these living works of art.
Finally, the quality of the water is essential. Crystal-clear water will allow your discus to really shine. It's like regularly cleaning a shop window so that the jewels inside are always clearly visible.
Don't forget that each discus is unique, a bit like the oranda fish or Japanese fish ranchu. Take the time to observe and appreciate the particularities of each of your fish. That's what makes aquarium keeping so exciting!
A rainbow under water
Discus are truly extraordinary creatures. Their colour palette seems endless, ranging from deep blues to brilliant reds, bright yellows and blazing oranges. Every time I look at an aquarium full of discus, I feel like I'm admiring a living painting.
With the right food, an optimal environment and attentive care, you can really bring out the best in these aquatic gems. Remember that every discus is unique and deserves your full attention.
So, whether you're a long-time enthusiast or a curious novice, I encourage you to dive into the exciting world of discus. Who knows, maybe you'll soon be admiring your own underwater rainbow!
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