"Discus Genetics and Breeding Info and Discussion"

[Rod]

I am new to discus and trying to learn about the genetics... Is there a website with a list of the current base mutations? I was thinking of buying a Red Dragon pair, but when I try to look up info on this mutation, there is nothing I can find. Is this two mutations bred together? Any help would be awesome. I know how genetics work, I breed reptiles and birds also, just cant find any info on the history of Discus mutations.

Your right about discus genetic information on the net, though in book form, Martin Ng's discus catalogue is the best imo. He uses vague language, but his photos do show the range of phenotypes in the f1 and f2, and in this way we can make assumptions based on genetic theory. Most of the single gene mutations are pretty well known amongst seasoned breeders anyway, though are far from being understood on a deep level. I can list the ones I am familiar with, to at least give you a start, along with a short description of the phenotype.

First the dominants:

Pigeon blood (Xanthic base color with a large amount of black pigment overlay. Modern types have greatly reduced black pigment from selective breeding, to better show through the base and secondary colors and patterns. )
Snow White (solid white color to golden white, usually with a slight blue tinge around the anal fin. White eyes.)
Solid Red (all pattern is gone)
Snakeskin (mood bar anomalies regarding number and form. Also they frequently show a much finer and complex pattern and commonly show fragmentation of the pattern, particularly on the head. Some of the most coveted strains have this gene incorporated.)

And the recessives:

Blue diamond (Solid pattern with zero reticulations)
ghost (Middle 7 mood bars removed. Grey base color. Secondary patterns largely removed)
albino (no black pigment)
golden (xanthic base color. Some black pigments though inline with natural color tendencies, unlike pigeon blood which is scattered and erratic in a seemingly random manner.)

If I think of more I will edit them in. Most fancy discus strains are derived from 1 or more of these mutations in combination. The red dragon carries the pigeon blood gene, though without a photo it is impossible to say for sure. Names don't always reflect the genotype!!

[Tay]

Is there a list of all the desirable recessive traits, or a visual map of how to breed various traits?

[brewmaster15]

Is there a list of all the desirable recessive traits, or a visual map of how to breed various traits?

Unfortunately no. We really don't have that in this hobby. Unlike Angelfish genetics, for example, that are well known, Discus color morphs are complex . We do know alot of about what crossing this to that looks like, but its not always true to what we think. Discus Genetics are largely plastic which is why there are so many morphs and "strains"

al