Golden
Symphysodon sp.
Description
The Golden is one of the first domestic mutations of discus fish, featuring a uniform golden body without the dark stripes of its brown ancestors.
🌍 Origin & History
The Golden appeared as a mutation of the Brown Discus around 1990-91. It is a spontaneous recessive mutation discovered in captive populations of Brown Discus. This mutation suppresses the production of black melanin while maintaining yellow-gold pigments.
Appearance
Uniform yellow-golden to orange-golden body without visible stripes or prominent bars. Absence of black melanin. Scales have a golden sheen. The eyes are orange-reddish. The fins are yellow. It has a bright and warm appearance.
🧬 Genetic background
Recessive mutation from Brown Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus axelrodi). The Golden gene suppresses black melanin but keeps xanthophyll (yellow) active. Breeding two Goldens results in 100% Golden offspring. Crossing with Brown produces carriers without expression.
Recommended water parameters
Care
Standard. Robust due to its Brown Discus ancestry.
Breeding
Relatively easy. Two Goldens = 100% Golden offspring.
💡 Practical tips
- →Spirulina and carotenoids maintain intense gold coloration
- →One of the more robust varieties — recommended for intermediates
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