1. Introduction
【Child】Professor, have you ever read Jules Verne’s “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea?” I imagine the fascinating creatures in that story to be like the Solid Blue Discus. Can you educate me about this fish with as much depth as Captain Nemo’s knowledge?
【Professor】Certainly, my young literary aficionado! The Solid Blue Discus fish is an enchanting species that’s popular among aquarium enthusiasts. Like Captain Nemo, we’ll explore its charming characteristics, its natural habitat and how to replicate it in an aquarium, its behavior, breeding methods, precautions, and finally, a conclusion to make you an expert on this underwater marvel!
2. Characteristics
【Child】Even Shakespeare’s lines such as “But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?” may be unable to describe the beauty of Solid Blue Discus. Can you attempt to capture its essence, Professor?
【Professor】Ah, what poetic enthusiasm! The Solid Blue Discus is indeed a captivating fish. Its round disc-shaped body is adorned with a vibrant, deep blue color that can range from light to dark shades. It can grow up to 8 inches in size, lending an air of elegance to any aquarium. But do keep in mind that there may be slight variations in color and patterns, just as there are countless styles of poetry.
3. Habitat
【Child】If Solid Blue Discus were a character in a novel, what kind of world would they inhabit, Professor? And how would that world differ from the aquatic wonderland where we can admire them?
【Professor】Their natural habitat would be a serene and calm realm, akin to an impressionist painting. In reality, they reside in the tranquil and warm waters of the Amazon Basin, where these little Picassos adapt well to slow-moving rivers, streams, and tributaries with dense vegetation. In the aquarium, aim to recreate their natural environment with adequate hiding spots, such as plants and driftwood, while maintaining a water temperature of 82°F to 88°F, pH between 6.0 and 7.0, and soft water. By doing so, you render a canvas similar to their tranquil world.
4. Husbandry Requirements
【Child】Sir Issac Newton once said, “Nature is pleased with simplicity.” How simple or complex should we keep the environment that Solid Blue Discus call home?
【Professor】Well, young philosopher, a balance between simplicity and attention to detail is key. They require pristine water, so invest in a high-quality filtration system and perform regular water changes. A spacious tank (minimum of 50 gallons for a small group) would mimic their open environment. Vegetable-based or high-quality pellet food supplemented with small amounts of live or frozen food should suffice. So, you see, with some care and attention, their environment can be both simple and nurturing.
5. Behavior
【Child】As curious as Alice in Wonderland, I wonder about the natural behaviors and habits of Solid Blue Discus. Do they enjoy their own tea parties under the sea?
【Professor】How delightful to imagine, my young friend! Although they may not share Alice’s love for tea parties, they do possess their own unique behaviors. Generally, they are sociable and prefer swimming in groups of five or more. They exhibit a calm, shy demeanor and will appreciate hiding spots offered in their environment. As for their feeding habits, Solid Blue Discus are primarily omnivorous, eating submerged plants and small aquatic creatures.
6. Breeding
【Child】Could you, kind Professor, navigate me through the labyrinth of love and breeding that Solid Blue Discus experience, similar to the trials of Dante in his “Divine Comedy”?
【Professor】Oh, the romanticism of their tale shall not be lost on me, young Dante! Breeding Solid Blue Discus initiates with preparing a separate breeding tank. Warmer water (84°F-86°F), lower pH (5.5-6.0), and slightly dimmed lighting create the cozy ambiance. A dedicated spawning site, like a vertical flat rock or a cone, should be provided. When courtship commences, the couple will display gentle ritualistic behaviors, which eventually lead to egg-laying and fertilization. Indeed, a tale no less profound than the “Divine Comedy” itself!
7. Cautions
【Child】As heroic Odysseus had to contend with the perils of his journey, what must I be cautious of in keeping Solid Blue Discus amongst other sea-faring adventurers?
【Professor】Your sagacity is well-founded! First, monitor water quality diligently to avoid illness. In terms of tankmates, choose companions as peaceful as themselves, for no Solid Blue Discus wishes to dwell alongside an aggressive Polyphemus. Small, schooling tetras or gentle Corydoras can be your Odysseus’ crew, harmoniously traversing the deep blue in your aquascaped haven.
8. Conclusion
【Child】And so, our aquatic adventure concludes. Would you, wise Professor, grant me a parting pearl of wisdom on the Solid Blue Discus, a treasure to keep in my heart?
【Professor】Dear child, remember to replicate their natural habitat and maintain pristine water quality, for these beautiful Solid Blue Discus truly are a captivating gem of the aquarium world. By respecting their unique characteristics and needs, you will be rewarded with an enchanting underwater tapestry to cherish for many moons.