Yellow Marlboro Discus
The White Face Yellow Marlboro Discus is a one-of-a-kind Discus. The discus fish are regarded as the princes of the aquarium hobby.
These species are Brazilian cichlids that have adapted to the Amazon River. They have white faces and bright yellow coloration, making them one of the most beautiful discus fish.
This guide will go through everything you need to know about White-Faced Yellow Marlboro Discus, from their diet and habitat to their breeding behavior.
Characteristics
| Scientific Name | Symphysodon Aequifasciatus |
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Size | 50 gallons |
| Lifespan | 8″ |
| Temperature | 79-86° F |
| pH | 6.1-7.5 |
| Carbonate Hardness | KH 1-3 |
| Origin | Amazon basin of S. America |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Carnivore |
Yellow Marlboro Discus Origin & Habitat
Yellow Marlboro Discus were first imported into the aquarium hobby in the early 1930s from South American rivers, where they originated.
Since their introduction to the hobby, Discus has been considered one of the most colorful, demanding, rewarding, and expensive tropical freshwater aquarium fish species.
Yellow Marlboro Discus Features
1. Color
The coloration of Discus will vary according to the mood and general health of the fish.
Generally, the Yellow Marlboro Discus has a stunning yellow coloration, making it one of the most beautiful species.
The body is primarily yellow and may include red and faint black stripes on the fins. And the electric blue lines on the anal and dorsal fins enhance its attractiveness.
2. Length
Marlboro Discus Fish usually grow to about 8 inches (20 cm) in length.
How to Care for Yellow Marlboro Discus?
1. Water Parameters
Water Changes
Yellow Marlboro Discus is very sensitive to water quality and environmental changes. It is essential to do regular water changes of at least 20% per week.
A high-quality water conditioner is essential to ensure a healthy environment for your discus fish.
Water Temperature
These species are native to the Amazon River, where the water temperature is around 86°F (30°C).
From our experience, we found that they get comfortable in aquariums with a water temperature between 79 and 86°F.
pH Range
Considering pH, discus fish are not very demanding; they can live in slightly acidic or alkaline water. However, the ideal range is between 6.1 and 7.5, with water hardness between 1-3°dGH.
Ammonia, Nitrite & Nitrate
Yellow Marlboro Discus are weak fish and are unable to withstand high levels of ammonia and nitrite.
Therefore, the ammonia and nitrite should be at 0 ppm, and the nitrate should be below 20 ppm.
These toxins can quickly kill your fish, so it’s essential to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
2. Tank Setup
Tank Size
Yellow Marlboro Discus are peaceful fish but require a lot of space because they are very active swimmers.
A single fish needs at least 50 gallons, but it is recommended to keep them in groups of 5 or more, which requires a tank size of 125 gallons or more.
They also need a giant aquarium during spawning since they may become aggressive.
Filtration
Filters are a vital part of every aquarium, and when it comes to discus fish, you need a high-quality filter with a tremendous flow rate.
It is essential to have a filtration system that can provide at least four times the volume of your tank in turnover per hour.
The best option for Discus fish is canister filters because they are very efficient and can be hidden from view, which is essential since discus fish are susceptible to changes in their environment.
Hiding Places
To mimic your fish’s natural habitat, you need to provide plenty of hiding places in your aquarium using driftwood, rocks, or plants.
This is essential because discus fish are timid and easily stressed by changes in their environment.
Is Yellow Marlboro Discus Hardy?
Like other selectively bred animals and fish, the Yellow Marlboro Discus is typically weaker than its native ancestors.
They require more time, attention, and nutrition than other fish species. This means they are less tolerant of bad water conditions, suffer food quality issues more readily, and are more prone to disease if not properly maintained.
As a result, it is not suggested for beginners. However, an experienced aquarist should have no problem keeping this fish healthy and happy as long as they provide the necessary care.
Yellow Marlboro Discus Diet
The Yellow Marlboro Discus is a carnivorous fish that eats:
- Bloodworms
- Tubifex
- Pellets designed for Discus
- High-quality flake food
- Meaty frozen foods
- Beef heart
- Live black worms
So, make sure to provide a varied diet that includes all of the above.
It is also essential to feed them small meals several times a day rather than one large meal. This is because overfeeding can lead to health problems.
Yellow Marlboro Discus Compatibility
Yellow Marlboro Discus are peaceful community fish. They are best kept with other discus and peaceful, similar-sized fish in soft, acidic water.
While they can be kept with other cichlids, it is best to avoid keeping them with aggressive species.
However, they are territorial at spawning time, so it is recommended to watch them if you have other fish in the tank.
Yellow Marlboro Discus Breeding
If you want to breed your discus fish, you can do so with two methods, choosing an established pair or letting a group of juveniles grow up together and form pairs.
The latter option is the most common since it gives the fish a better chance to find a compatible mate.
When they form pairs, you need to provide them with the warm, soft, and somewhat acidic water necessary for spawning.
Before mating, they’ll clean a flat surface (usually a broad leaf or the aquarium’s side) in preparation, and then the female will lay her eggs on it.
When the eggs hatch, ensure that the parents are not taken away from the fry; their mucus is what the fry eats.
After two weeks, the fry starts eating ground flake food or baby brine shrimp.
Last Words
The Yellow Marlboro Discus is a beautiful and unique fish that makes a great addition to any freshwater aquarium.
While they are not the easiest fish to care for, they are well worth the effort for experienced aquarists. When provided with the necessary space, hiding places, and diet, these fish will thrive and bring years of enjoyment.
We hope that this guideline has helped you understand more about this fantastic fish!
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.
