Footballs

[NickK]

I am about to purchase my first new discus. I am looking at getting some 1.5-2" fish. Can the experts please tell me what to look for? Can you tell round vs. football at this age? What should I look for? The breeder I am going to buy from has soooo many little fish in the tanks, I am lost.

Thanks,
Nick

[jeep]

Get as round as possible. Small red eyes. Big fat belly. Eager to eat. Open and proud looking stance. Full size gill plates.

If possible, look at the parents. What does the breeder feed?

Remember, fry won't show the full color until around 3 1/2" to 4".

Good luck!

At that size the fish will not be perfectly round, so the best indicator that I've been able to find is the proportion of body height to length (excluding fins). You want fish that are as tall as they are long, as this will lead to that lovely rounded shape when they get older, provided you give them good care. You definately want the fish that come to the front of the tank when you walk up, not those that cower in the corner. Also, having the fins fully erect is a good sign of being healthy. If some of the fish from the same brood show a bit more color than the others...even if it's just a little...then they are probably the more strong and healthy fish and I would lean towards those. Just remember, don't settle for what he has, make sure you are 100% confident that you are happy with the fish you pick out and I'm sure you will love the fish that you get. Good Luck!

Brad