Red Valentine Discus (Symphysodon sp.) 7cm / 9cm

Overview

The Red Valentine Discus is a beautifully coloured cultivated form of Symphysodon, the iconic South American discus fish. Prized for its rounded shape, elegant swimming style and rich red patterning, it makes a superb centrepiece for the experienced aquarist looking to create a warm, planted display tank. Offered here at approximately 7cm (with a larger 9cm option), these young discus are ideal for keepers who want to grow out their fish and enjoy their development over time.

Discus are often considered the “king of the aquarium” for good reason: they are graceful, intelligent, and best kept in calm, stable conditions with excellent water quality. The Red Valentine strain is especially eye-catching, with vivid red tones that stand out beautifully against dark substrate, driftwood and lush greenery. As with all discus, success comes from consistency, patience and a well-maintained aquarium.

At Tropical Fish Co, we supply healthy live fish with a live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery, so your new discus can arrive in the best possible condition for acclimatisation into a suitable home.

Care at a Glance

Origin & Natural Habitat

Wild discus originate from the slow-moving, warm waters of the Amazon basin in South America, particularly blackwater tributaries, flooded forest areas and calm river margins. These habitats are typically soft, acidic and rich in organic material, with subdued lighting and plenty of cover from roots, branches and aquatic plants. While the Red Valentine is a selectively bred aquarium strain rather than a wild-caught form, its care requirements still reflect the natural needs of the genus.

In the wild, discus live in groups and rely on stable water conditions, low stress and regular feeding. They are not fast, boisterous fish, and they do best in aquariums that mimic their natural environment: warm, peaceful and carefully maintained. Understanding this background is key to keeping them healthy and displaying their best colour.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

A discus aquarium should be mature, spacious and filtered generously. For a small group, we recommend a minimum of 250 litres, with larger tanks always preferred as they provide more stable water conditions and reduce territorial pressure. A group of five or more is often ideal, as discus are social fish and feel more secure in numbers.

Use a fine sand or smooth gravel substrate and include driftwood, broad-leaved plants and open swimming space. Keep the layout calm and uncluttered, avoiding sharp décor that could damage their delicate fins. Dim lighting or floating plants can help reduce stress, especially for younger fish.

Water quality is absolutely critical. Discus thrive in warm water between 28–30°C, with a pH of around 6.0–7.0. Soft, clean water is best, and regular partial water changes are essential to maintain low nitrate levels. Strong filtration is recommended, but flow should be gentle rather than turbulent. Stable conditions matter more than chasing exact numbers, so avoid sudden changes in temperature or chemistry.

Because these fish are sold at around 7cm and 9cm, they are still growing and will benefit from frequent small feeds and pristine water. Quarantine is strongly advised for new additions, especially in established discus systems.

Feeding Guide

Red Valentine Discus are omnivores with a preference for protein-rich foods. A varied diet supports growth, colour and immune health. Offer high-quality discus pellets or granules as a staple, supplemented with frozen foods such as bloodworm, mysis, brine shrimp and daphnia. Many keepers also use specialised discus mixes or beefheart-based foods, though these should be fed sensibly as part of a balanced regime rather than as the sole diet.

Young discus benefit from several small meals per day, as they grow quickly and have a relatively high metabolism. Remove uneaten food promptly to protect water quality. A good feeding routine, combined with regular maintenance, will help your fish develop strong body shape and vibrant colouration.

Tank Mates / Compatibility

Discus are peaceful fish and should be housed with calm, non-nippy species that enjoy similar warm water conditions. Good companions include cardinal tetras, rummy nose tetras, pencilfish, Corydoras sterbai, peaceful dwarf cichlids, and some gentle plecos such as bristlenose catfish. Choose tank mates that will not outcompete discus at feeding time and that will not be stressed by higher temperatures.

Avoid aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, very active barbs, coldwater species, and any fish that require cooler, harder water. Fast, boisterous tank mates can intimidate discus and prevent them from feeding confidently. In a dedicated discus setup, a species-only aquarium is often the simplest and most rewarding option.

When introducing new fish, keep size and temperament in mind. Discus are best kept with similarly peaceful species that will not disturb their calm behaviour or compromise their water quality requirements.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co

At Tropical Fish Co, we understand that live fish need careful handling from our tanks to your door. That is why we focus on healthy stock, careful packing and reliable fast UK delivery. Every order is prepared with the welfare of the fish in mind, and our live arrival guarantee gives you added confidence when buying online.

We aim to supply discus that are well-conditioned and ready for a smooth acclimatisation into a suitable aquarium. Whether you are building a dedicated discus display or adding a standout centrepiece to a warm-water community tank, the Red Valentine Discus offers exceptional colour and elegance. If you are prepared to meet their needs, these fish can become the true highlight of your aquarium.

Choose Tropical Fish Co for quality livestock, expert care and dependable service from a UK specialist aquatic retailer.