1. Introduction
【Child】: Professor, have you ever heard of the Wattley Cobalt Discus? It sounds like something from a Jules Verne novel, don’t you think?
【Professor】: You have quite an imagination, young one! The Wattley Cobalt Discus is indeed a fascinating creature, but it’s not from a novel. It’s a beautiful tropical fish that is popular among aquarists. I’d be happy to tell you more about these lovely fish if you’d like!
2. Characteristics
【Child】: How would you describe a Wattley Cobalt Discus, Professor? Is it as striking as Van Gogh’s Starry Night?
【Professor】: Well, I wouldn’t go quite that far, but these discus do possess a certain artistic beauty! The Wattley Cobalt Discus has stunning cobalt blue and turquoise coloration, with a large, circular body shape, similar to a painter’s palette. These fish generally grow to about 6 to 8 inches in size, with impressive long dorsal and anal fins.
3. Habitat
【Child】: Where do these captivating creatures live? Is it anything like the enchanting forest of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream?
【Professor】: Not exactly a magical forest, but the Wattley Cobalt Discus originates from the Amazon River Basin in South America. They live in calm, slow-moving waters, usually amongst submerged logs and vegetation. In an aquarium, try to replicate this serene environment by including plants, driftwood, and plenty of hiding spots. These fish play an essential role in their ecosystem, helping to keep plant growth in check and providing food for larger predators.
4. Husbandry Requirements
【Child】: Since these are tropical fish, I suppose they need warm water like those in Homer’s wine-dark sea, right? And what else is essential for their care?
【Professor】: Yes, the water temperature is indeed crucial for these fish. The aquarium water should be between 82-86°F, with a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5 and a hardness around 5-7 dGH. A tank of at least 50 gallons is recommended for a small group, but a larger tank is preferable to accommodate their growth. As for their diet, they prefer a mix of flake and finely chopped, high-quality frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and beef heart.
5. Behavior
【Child】: If I’m not mistaken, the Wattley Cobalt Discus has been known to swim in groups, similar to the way characters in a Jane Austen novel flock together for tea parties and balls. Is that true?
【Professor】: Your metaphor is quite fitting, indeed! Discus fish, including the Wattley Cobalt, are indeed sociable creatures and tend to swim in groups, seeking comfort and security amongst their fellow discus. They are peaceful by nature and generally coexist well with other fish of similar size and temperament.
6. Breeding
【Child】: Is it true that these fish engage in a courtship dance, somewhat like Romeo and Juliet’s first meeting at the ball?
【Professor】: Well, not quite a dance, but the breeding process of the Wattley Cobalt Discus does involve intricate behaviors. Pairs of discus tend to clean a flat surface, usually a rock or piece of wood, before laying their eggs. Then, both parents will take turns fanning the eggs with their fins to provide oxygen, a fascinating process to observe.
7. Cautions
【Child】: As these fish are so mesmerizing, I’m sure there must be an Achilles’ heel when it comes to their care. What pitfalls must a careful aquarist avoid?
【Professor】: Their Achilles’ heel is indeed their sensitivity to water quality. They are susceptible to diseases and stress if their environment is not well-maintained. Make sure the water parameters are stable, and avoid housing them with aggressive fish species that may cause them stress.
8. Conclusion
【Professor】: In conclusion, the Wattley Cobalt Discus is an enchanting and colorful fish that can make a wonderful addition to a peaceful, well-maintained aquarium. With proper care and attention to water quality, tank setup, and a balanced diet, these discus can thrive and delight their caretakers just like the brilliant characters from the works of Jules Verne and Jane Austen you so admire.