Red Melon
Symphysodon sp.
Description
Red Melon represents a refined version of the Pigeon Blood: a uniform red-orange color without black spots, perfectly rounded body, and red eyes. It is considered a 'show quality' variety.
🌍 Origin & History
Red Melon is a high-grade variety derived from Pigeon Blood, with a yellow and red base intensified through selective breeding. It was imported from Asia (Malaysia, Thailand) around the year 2000 to enhance other lines. The name comes from its color resemblance to watermelon flesh.
Appearance
Intense solid orange-red body, absolutely uniform, resembling watermelon flesh. No stripes or bars. No pepper (in pure specimens). Intense red eyes. Fins with orange hues. Scales have a uniform, almost metallic sheen. The body is well-rounded.
🧬 Genetic background
According to specialized classifications: Red Melon = higher grade Pigeon Blood with a yellow base selected to completely eliminate black pepper. Genetically a Pigeon Blood with maximized red-orange pigmentation through generations of selective inbreeding. Some breeders describe the line as: Pigeon Blood × Golden × selection to eliminate pepper.
Recommended water parameters
Care
Feeding with carotenoid-rich foods (brine shrimp, krill) enhances the natural red color.
Breeding
Easy breeding. Stable genetic line.
💡 Practical tips
- →Krill and brine shrimp enhance natural red color
- →Genetic quality is lost through uncontrolled crossbreeding
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