Discus Turquoise Blue - Symphysodon aequifasciata haraldi

Discus Turquoise Blue – Symphysodon sp.

The Turquoise Blue Discus is a stunning freshwater cichlid admired for its brilliant turquoise-blue colouration, intricate flowing patterns and elegant, rounded body shape. This selectively bred Discus variety makes an impressive centrepiece for large, mature tropical aquariums. Known for its graceful swimming behaviour and relatively peaceful temperament, the Turquoise Blue Discus is best suited to experienced aquarists who can provide consistently warm water, excellent filtration and stable aquarium conditions.

Common Name: Turquoise Blue Discus, Blue Turquoise Discus, Turquoise Discus, Blue Discus

Scientific Name (Latin): Symphysodon sp.

Older / Trade Name: Symphysodon aequifasciata haraldi, Symphysodon haraldi

Strain / Form: Turquoise Blue captive-bred colour variety

Maximum Size: Approximately 15–20 cm in body diameter, with additional height from the dorsal and anal fins.

Water Type: Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat: Wild Discus originate from the Amazon basin in South America, including regions of Brazil, Peru and Colombia.

They naturally inhabit warm, slow-moving rivers, sheltered tributaries, flooded forests and areas with submerged roots, branches and soft substrates.

These environments typically provide warm water, gentle currents and plenty of natural shelter.

The Turquoise Blue Discus is a selectively bred aquarium variety rather than a naturally occurring wild colour strain.

In the aquarium, it thrives in mature, spacious setups with open swimming areas, driftwood, tall plants and stable water chemistry.

Water Parameters: Temperature: 28–30°C pH Range: 6.0–7.2 Hardness: Soft to moderately soft preferred Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm Nitrate: Kept very low and stable Flow: Gentle to moderate preferred Oxygenation: Good oxygenation and filtration essential

Temperament: Peaceful / Occasionally Territorial

Turquoise Blue Discus are generally peaceful cichlids, particularly when kept with other Discus and suitable calm tankmates.

They are social fish and usually do best in appropriately sized groups, where natural interaction and confidence develop.

A natural pecking order may develop, and dominant individuals can occasionally chase or intimidate weaker fish.

Breeding pairs may become territorial when guarding eggs or fry.

Diet: Omnivore / Specialist Discus Diet

Turquoise Blue Discus require a varied, nutritious diet to maintain strong colouration, healthy growth and good body condition.

Offer high-quality Discus granules, specialist sinking pellets and suitable tropical cichlid foods as their staple diet.

Supplement with frozen or live foods such as brineshrimp, mysis shrimp, daphnia, bloodworm and other appropriately sized aquatic invertebrates.

Feed smaller portions regularly, ensuring that all fish receive enough food.

Avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food can quickly affect water quality in warm Discus aquariums.

Minimum Tank Size: Approximately 300 litres for a small group of juveniles, with 400–450 litres or more recommended for a long-term adult group.

Larger aquariums are strongly preferred for groups of five or six adults.

A spacious aquarium with sufficient height, open swimming areas and excellent filtration is essential.

Behaviour & Activity: The Turquoise Blue Discus is a graceful, relatively slow-moving cichlid that spends much of its time swimming through the middle areas of the aquarium.

When settled, Discus may become confident and interactive, often approaching the front glass at feeding time.

They can be shy when first introduced and may hide among plants or driftwood until comfortable.

Groups develop a natural social hierarchy, while compatible pairs may form and display courtship or breeding behaviour.

Their blue and turquoise markings are particularly attractive under balanced aquarium lighting and against darker backgrounds.

Community Suitability: Specialist Peaceful Community Fish

Turquoise Blue Discus are best kept in dedicated Discus aquariums or carefully planned warm-water community setups.

Suitable tankmates include Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Sterbai Corydoras, suitable peaceful small catfish and other calm species that tolerate sustained temperatures of approximately 28–30°C.

Avoid aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, boisterous barbs, highly competitive feeders, large predatory fish and species that require cooler water.

Tankmates should be selected carefully to avoid stressing the Discus or competing excessively during feeding.

Special Requirements or Care Notes: Turquoise Blue Discus require a mature aquarium with excellent water quality and stable environmental conditions.

Maintain consistently warm water, ideally around 28–30°C, and avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.

Keep nitrate levels low through suitable filtration, careful feeding and regular water changes.

Soft, slightly acidic water is generally preferred, although captive-bred specimens may tolerate a wider range of conditions depending on how they have been raised.

Check the supplier's holding parameters and acclimate carefully.

Provide driftwood, tall plants and shaded areas while maintaining plenty of open swimming space.

Discus are social fish and should generally be kept in groups of five or six or more, unless maintaining an established compatible breeding pair.

Avoid adding individual Discus to established groups without considering size differences, territorial behaviour and social hierarchy.

A varied diet is important, and feeding should be monitored to ensure weaker individuals receive enough food.

New Discus should ideally be quarantined and observed before being introduced to an established group.

Because Discus are sensitive to poor water quality, unstable conditions and inappropriate tankmates, they are best suited to aquarists with previous tropical fishkeeping experience.

Suitable for: Intermediate to experienced

Availability: Common to occasional, depending on supplier, size, colour strain and breeding quality.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.