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Re: Is this Alenquer Discus Normal?

Hi Peewee1, I just spent hours watching wild Discus videos on YouTube and I totally see what you mean about their fins. I got my Discus from Uncle Sams Tropical Fish, and he does look pretty different from the other Alenquer I got at the same time.

He's doing so much better today, all the fungus is gone after 4.5 days in the hospital tank with salt. I'm really glad I didn't use any meds. His color is lighter and more stable now. I'm a bit nervous about putting him back with the others, he seems so relaxed now. I'm around him a lot since the tank is near my kitchen sink, and I make sure to move slowly around him.

Do you think I should keep him in the hospital tank a bit longer? I was thinking of slowly changing his water to non-salt water and then putting him back in the main tank after a couple of days. The white marks on the tank are just salt buildup.

Hi Peewee1, I just spent hours on YouTube watching wild discus videos after your suggestion. I saw the ragged fins you mentioned, and that's really interesting. My Alenquer is from Uncle Sams Tropical Fish, and he's quite different from the other one I got at the same time. I've included a new photo of him, and I'm thrilled to see all the fungus gone after 4.5 days in the salt bath. I didn't use any meds, and I'm so glad I didn't need to. His color is now lighter and more consistent. I'm a bit nervous about putting him back with the others, though. He seems so relaxed now, and I've been moving slowly around him since he's near the kitchen sink. Should I keep him in the hospital tank a bit longer? I was thinking of gradually changing the water to non-salt water and then returning him home after a couple of days. The whitish marks are just salt buildup on the tank. Thanks, Regina.

Re: Is this Alenquer Discus Normal?

Thank you so much. I'd be absolutely thrilled to get some of your Alenquers - fingers crossed I won't have to wait too long. I actually joined the Greater Seattle Aquarium Society hoping to connect with fellow Discus enthusiasts, so it's fantastic to know you're in the area and share my passion for the Red Alenquers. I've heard the wild greens are just stunning - I'd love to see them someday.

You've got me curious, though - how can you tell the sex of your Discus?

Re: Is this Alenquer Discus Normal?

I determine sex by shape, color, and fins. I'm usually correct. I recall calling Kenny, a well-known importer, about 9 months ago. I told him I had too many males and not enough females for my boys. I asked him to send me a female. He sent a fish that looked like a female to both of us. Three weeks later, she spawned with one of my males, confirming our guess. I'll be in touch when these two settle down and lay eggs. The fish are free, unless you own the local fish store.

Re: Is this Alenquer Discus Normal?

I see, so experience is the key. Well then, my other Alenquer is probably a male - he's growing so fast and big. Although they're the same strain, he looks somewhat different, and I must say, much more beautiful.

I'm still sad about Kenny, he's a legend in the Discus world. A million thanks for your generosity - it truly means a lot to me! I swear, I don't own a fish store, but I've always wished to find some local Alenquers.

I have a 30-gallon tank where I'm growing out some very young Discus - they're as small as an inch. They're different strains, none of them are Alenquers or Wilds. So, I'll be ready if your couple ever gets down to business.