Pictures of the growing discus in the community tank

[JenNewbie]

The discus are actually doing well in the community tank. Only real issue is feeding them without overfeeding everyone else. BrianNY, want to take a look at the pics and tell me if they look like they're doing all right? The 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th are of the older juvenile, about 4" now. The 3rd pic is the smaller juvenile, about 2.5" now and the 4th shows the 2 together. I apologize for the water drip stain on the glass, since they were being obliging about posing, I hurried for the camera and didn't stop to wipe off the glass... Oh well. The 5th pic is just gratuitous because I love the kissing gourami pose. Anyway, if anyone has any feedback, I'd appreciate it. Otherwise, enjoy my humble digital picture taking skills...

The 4" discus, 1st view
http://www.geocities.com/adoptanapbt/discus1.jpg

The 4" discus, 2nd view
http://www.geocities.com/adoptanapbt/discus2.jpg

The littlest discus
http://www.geocities.com/adoptanapbt/discus3.jpg

The 2 discus together (dark)
http://www.geocities.com/adoptanapbt/discus4.jpg

The 4" discus as a baby (it's the one on the left)
http://www.geocities.com/adoptanapbt/discus9.JPG

Gratuitous shot of a kissing gourami, dwarf neon rainbows & a discus
http://www.geocities.com/adoptanapbt/fish1.jpg

 

[BrianNY]

Hi Jen. The pics are actually quite good. However, it's sometimes difficult to tell how well fish are actually doing from a photo.

Here's what I look for when assessing the health,quality,and happiness of juvenile discus.

1. Shape - The discus should be taller rather than longer. A fish that's shaped more like a football is apt to be a runt.

2. Eyes - They should be very clear, and relatively small compared to the overall body size. A discus with large eyes has been stunted.

3. Coloration - Sometimes discus will display their stress bars all of the time. When they do, I take it as a sign that they are not happy with something. However, it might be normal for that particular fish.

4. Fins - A happy healthy discus will hold their fins high.

5. Plumpness - A discus should be thick around the forehead. A skinny forehead means that there is some problem with the fish getting it's nutrition (even if it is eating).

6. Appetite - IMO the very best criterea. A discus that eats can usually be saved from most any malody.

Now that you're armed with this info, you can more accurately assess the condition of your beauties. HTH

 

[JenNewbie]

Well, in that case, BrianNY, I think the discus are doing all right. The younger is more football-shaped than I would like, but it certainly is not shy about food and will get in with all the other fish to get food. I think that just may be its body shape. The older discus has always had the bars. I keep hoping they'll fade, but I think that is just destined to be its coloring. I've looked at pics of brown discus and they do seem to retain the bars. But instead of lusting after some exotic-colored discus, I'm just focusing on keeping these two happy and flourishing as best as possible in pH 8.4 water. Now, if I could just get a lush green jungle to grow without all the special equipment... Ah, the curse of ultra-hard water!