Alenquer Red
Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Description
The Alenquer Red is considered one of the most beautiful wild-type discus fish, featuring an exceptional natural reddish-brown coloration. It is highly valued by collectors.
🌍 Origin & History
The Alenquer Red originates from the Alenquer region in Brazil (Rio Alenquer, a tributary of the Amazon). It is regarded as a wild or semi-wild discus, showcasing an exceptionally intense red color produced by the natural environment of the black waters of the Amazon.
Appearance
Intense brown-red body with fine lines or semi-stripes. The body is more oval compared to domestic hybrids. It has red eyes. The colors are natural and not artificially selected. It has a more 'rustic' appearance, yet extremely authentic.
🧬 Genetic background
Wild discus from Rio Alenquer. It is not a breeding hybrid, but rather a locally selected wild form kept in captivity to enhance its coloration. The red coloration comes from carotenoids in the natural food sources of the Amazon.
Recommended water parameters
Care
Requires soft, acidic water similar to its natural habitat. More delicate than domestic hybrids.
Breeding
Challenging. Requires parameters close to natural conditions.
💡 Practical tips
- →Feeding with natural foods (live tubifex, brine shrimp) maintains natural colors
- →Soft water (TDS under 100) is essential
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