Breeding Pairs?

[Viktor Armani]

These two ring leopards were given to me as gifts. I was told they may be "breeding pairs". I've had them for almost two years now. Tank conditions are as follows - 30 Degrees Celsius, nitrate (8-15mg/l), nitrite (0 mg/l), ammonia (0), ph (6.8) etc., are all in acceptable ranges. I have fluval filter, which is checked every 3 months. I do regular water changes (50%), and they look quite healthy. I've read and watched many videos trying to distinguish male and female discus, but nothing has seem to be definitive. I'm assuming its just a waiting game... or is it more likely they are the same sex.
Food (2 times/day) - Hikari Spirulina Brine Shrimp, Hikari Bio-gold, Seachem flakes & Hikari Vibra bites.

[seanyuki]

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Females will start to hit maturity anywhere from 9-14 months; males can take a bit longer. It is not uncommon for two young females to pair up together, so don’t assume just because two of your young fish are together and one is laying eggs, one is a female and the other a male. There are many myths out there regarding how to successfully sex discus, but the most reliable is to have a good look at the breeding tubes (and even this sometimes fools even the most advanced hobbyist). The female breeding tube (ovipositor) tends to be larger and blunt at the tip, while the males are smaller and comes to a point.

https://www.discusnada.org/breeding-discus/

[seanyuki]

In the past, I put a wet towel on the table and laid the discus on the towel and observe the breeding tubes.

[danotaylor]

Very pretty fish! Nice looking set up as well!

[nah]

From the photos I suspect one of each sex. I have two Alenquer that spawned twice when first introduced 8 months ago and have not spawned since. It's a crap shoot if they will spawn at all.

[Alpha40]

I do think that they are breeding pairs. Not so sure about why they're not doing their thing.

[Willie]

I'm often wrong, but they look like two males to me.

[CliffsDiscus]

They are not swimming around like a mated pair, possible 2 males. You might want to throw in a couple more Discus just to force the pair to bond or establish a new pair.

Cliff

[LizStreithorst]

My impression was 2 males. lower the temp to 82.. That might get them in the family mood. 30c is a little warm for breeding.

[nah]

My impression was 2 males. lower the temp to 82.. That might get them in the family mood. 30c is a little warm for breeding.

Thanks, Liz. I have a non productive pair at about 84. I lowered just now to about 81. It might work.

[LizStreithorst]

A large WC with cooler water can help, too. I wouldn't go lower than 82 for long term, though.

[Viktor Armani]

A large WC with cooler water can help, too. I wouldn't go lower than 82 for long term, though.

Thanks for the advice Liz. Will give that a go

[Second Hand Pat]

Nice looking fish and setup. I did manage to watch the video and the fish in both the video and photos are showing strong bars. When my wilds show bars like that it always seemed like something was bothering them. Are you guys always showing strong bars Viktor?
Pat

[preswash777@yahoo.com]

They are not swimming around like a mated pair, ...by cliff

I agree.... A mated pair will show their bond by bowing to each other and other ways.