Can you help me identify these discus

[Embersmom]

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I bought a Hagen Osaka that came with 5 discus. I didn't plan on keeping the discus, but once I got them home and put my altum in with them, it was love at first sight. I tore down my 90 gallon community tank, salted, baked, rinsed, filled, rerinsed, etc. etc. and hooked up the old filter to their new home. I just added them two days ago. They are very happy, I think and the altum LOVE his discus buddies.

Please let me know by appearance in the video what is what.

Thank you

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/th_025-1.jpg (http://s612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/?action=view&current=025-1.flv)

[Jhhnn]

The red one with black fins appears to be a pigeonblood of some kind, as does the red/orange &white one. The two with brown bodies, red and blue stripes are red turquoise, not very good ones, color-wise. The small blue one is a cobalt or brilliant, hard to say...

Everybody except the red/black pigeon looks to be a little thin- gotta fatten 'em up, change a lot of water, watch out for white poo... the blue one may be stunted...

[samuelkl]

im a newb, so dont trust my judgement too much, you would need a second opinion on this..

the blue looks like a blue turk, the two striped look like wilds, the red PB looks like a flamingo cuz of its yellow face, and a checkerboard pigeon

[Embersmom]

The red one with black fins appears to be a pigeonblood of some kind, as does the red/orange &white one. The two with brown bodies, red and blue stripes are red turquoise, not very good ones, color-wise. The small blue one is a cobalt or brilliant, hard to say...

Everybody except the red/black pigeon looks to be a little thin- gotta fatten 'em up, change a lot of water, watch out for white poo... the blue one may be stunted...

As I really don't know anything about discus, could the two that you refer to as "red and blue stripes are red turquoise, not very good ones" in fact be wild discus instead? Here is a picture of them as they usually are. I have a better one of the male showing his black crown that runs the length of his dorsal fin. They both have gold eyes when the stress bar is faded.

I don't want to argue with an expert and as no one else has replied, it's hard for me to hear from one person that they are inferior while someone else told me today they were one of the best examples of wilds that he has ever seen :confused:

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/061.jpg

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/003-3.jpg

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/Discus010-1.jpg

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/Discus015.jpg

[samuelkl]

yes, like i said in my previous post, those most definitely look like wilds

[Embersmom]

yes, like i said in my previous post, those most definitely look like wilds

Thank you, I think so too. As to quality, I really don't care - I know they are happy and healthy. It was disappointing to hear a critique on them when all I wanted was an identification. No worries, I picked up two more wilds today and there is NO mistaking them! One is an Ica Heckel discus and the other is a hybrid and I'll find out exactly what it is, but it is mostly yellowbrown but with beautiful lilac/purple steaks through the dorsal and especially ventrical fins. It had a bit of gill problem, but who cares? There's no was to misidentify it with the middle black stress bar so pronounced. I got it for a steal - only the shipping cost. The new wilds were accepting blackworms within one hour of entering their new tank. I'll post pics when I have some.

Thanks again. I really appreciate your help.
Shelley

[Eddie]

Thank you, I think so too. As to quality, I really don't care - I know they are happy and healthy. It was disappointing to hear a critique on them when all I wanted was an identification. No worries, I picked up two more wilds today and there is NO mistaking them! One is an Ica Heckel discus and the other is a hybrid and I'll find out exactly what it is, but it is mostly yellowbrown but with beautiful lilac/purple steaks through the dorsal and especially ventrical fins. It had a bit of gill problem, but who cares? There's no was to misidentify it with the middle black stress bar so pronounced. I got it for a steal - only the shipping cost. The new wilds were accepting blackworms within one hour of entering their new tank. I'll post pics when I have some.

Thanks again. I really appreciate your help.
Shelley

Aw Shelley, no worries.....I am sure Jhhnn meant no harm.

They do look like wilds to me. How long you had them?

Take care

Eddie

[Embersmom]

Aw Shelley, no worries.....I am sure Jhhnn meant no harm.

They do look like wilds to me. How long you had them?

Take care

Eddie

Thanks, Eddie. I found an ad for a Hagen Osaka 41 gallon tank. It was a planted tank and came with five discus. I had planned on giving the discus to April for store credit because I knew nothing about discus. But as soon as I brought them home and put them in my hospital tank, my altum who had been on a 5 week hunger strike swam over to them and started eating the next day. I found out the altum had been grown out with wild discus so he thought of himself as a discus. He wasn't ever comfortable in my angel tank because he never got along with them. He also wouldn't eat when with the other angels. That's why he's in with the discus and that's also why I turned my 90 gallon community tank into the discus/altum tank so they would have much more room than the Osaka. I think they are doing very well. Eating and growing and I've already had a spawn from the larger wild discus and the pigeonblood although I really was hoping the two wilds would spawn. All the eggs were eaten but I think it's a good sign. I've had the altum since July and the discus since September. So I'm a real newbie!!! April has been helping me learn quickly.

50% partial water changes per day. The fish are fed a variety of frozen worms, frozen shrimp, live blackworms, pellets, flakes and garlic Xtreme.

Thanks, Eddie.

Shelley

[frenchie100]

Love those wilds! I like your angel too! They all seem of great quality to me.
Nice happy group, with the typical hungry puppy attitude at the glass!

Good luck with them!

Julie :)

[frenchie100]

Thanks, Eddie. I found an ad for a Hagen Osaka 41 gallon tank. It was a planted tank and came with five discus. I had planned on giving the discus to April for store credit because I knew nothing about discus. But as soon as I brought them home and put them in my hospital tank, my altum who had been on a 5 week hunger strike swam over to them and started eating the next day. I found out the altum had been grown out with wild discus so he thought of himself as a discus. He wasn't ever comfortable in my angel tank because he never got along with them. He also wouldn't eat when with the other angels. That's why he's in with the discus and that's also why I turned my 90 gallon community tank into the discus/altum tank so they would have much more room than the Osaka. I think they are doing very well. Eating and growing and I've already had a spawn from the larger wild discus and the pigeonblood although I really was hoping the two wilds would spawn. All the eggs were eaten but I think it's a good sign. I've had the altum since July and the discus since September. So I'm a real newbie!!! April has been helping me learn quickly.

50% partial water changes per day. The fish are fed a variety of frozen worms, frozen shrimp, live blackworms, pellets, flakes and garlic Xtreme.

Thanks, Eddie.

Shelley

Oh my gosh! That is the cutest story ever!!!! The altum thinking he's a discus!!!!!

[Embersmom]

This is a video of the kids from last night. The new wilds aren't in there yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THjJOrK17z8&feature=player_embedded

This is the Osaka where the discus used to live. It's now my angelfish tank.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBl9V-JEtHY&feature=player_embedded

And sorry, but this is my experiment tank - 17 gallon bowfront rimless "planted" barebottom tank with 5 different ram species. Last week I had a spawn from a german blue balloon and an electric blue. I watched the eggs all night, but they ended up being eaten. They look like they are already to try again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhCNyWzUqkY&feature=player_embedded

Sorry for getting off topic, but I love my tanks!
Shelley

[Embersmom]

Oh my gosh! That is the cutest story ever!!!! The altum thinking he's a discus!!!!!

The male wild discus and the altum rule the tank! They are very cute together. The discus can't figure the altum out for the life of him, but he will tolerate the altum. The altum thinks he has a new best friend!

[Embersmom]

Love those wilds! I like your angel too! They all seem of great quality to me.
Nice happy group, with the typical hungry puppy attitude at the glass!

Good luck with them!

Julie :)

Thanks, Julie. I kinda like 'em! :)

[brewmaster15]

Looks like wilds to me as well...I have had ones very similar in the past... what really matters though isnt if they are wild or domestic.....Theres some domestics that could pass for wilds and vice versa... what matters is if you like them and if they healthy.

Best of luck with them, I think after they settle in for you, youll have some very nice specimens.

Take care,
Al

[Jhhnn]

With the better pics, I'd say those probably are wilds. Lots of Turq strains produce throwbacks that appear as wilds or near wilds, which are nonetheless sold as turquoise of one sort or another. That was the basis of my original comment.

I'm no expert, please.

[Embersmom]

With the better pics, I'd say those probably are wilds. Lots of Turq strains produce throwbacks that appear as wilds or near wilds, which are nonetheless sold as turquoise of one sort or another. That was the basis of my original comment.

I'm no expert, please.

Thank you, I do understand. I don't know very much at all about discus, to be honest and I'm really protective of my fish. I know it might sound silly, but I always do try my best by them with what little I know. So, I'm sorry if I took your previous comments too personally. I understand what you were saying now, and I appreciate your note. Wait 'til you see the new pictures of the last five wilds that I picked up since yesterday afternoon!!! ;)
Shelley

[keef]

Hey Shelley,
Looks like the Discus bug's really biting eh? Good for you! Like anything in life, it's interesting to have others opinions now and then, but what it's all about is what something means to you; you are happy with your Discus & thats all that matters. Your fish look great btw & I look forward to seeing those new arrivals!
Kind Regards
Keith

[Embersmom]

geez i just wish someone would sell me a tanks with wilds already included...you dont know how hard it is where i am to get good fish!!

Don't hate me, but it sometimes DOES pay to stay up all night and look at online classified ads! So the Hagen Osaka 155 came with a Fluval 205 and a Rena XP4. TONS of driftwood, subtrate with soil, fert tabs, blah, blah, blah, two HUGE pieces of vulcanic rock, some chunk of petrified wood, a natural CO2 fermentation unit, the five discus, two clown loaches (??!!) oh, right and the tank and stand.....$500 Canadian!! Crazy, right? And I swore I would never buy a used tank. Yeah. Never say never!

[Embersmom]

Pics and video of the new kids from yesterday. I think the runt is a ruby red, but my tummy says it just might be something a little more interesting. Going to have to wait for him to grow out, but I'm almost thinking an Alenguer....could it just be wishful dreaming :confused::)

The kids -

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/PC050039.jpg

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/PC050041.jpg

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/PC050048.jpg

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/PC050030.jpg

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/PC050031.jpg

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/PC050011.jpg

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/PC050035.jpg

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/PC050022.jpg

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/PC050023.jpg

The last two are terrible, I know. It's the best I could do though. Will keep trying for sure.

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/th_PC050034.jpg (http://s612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/?action=view&current=PC050034.flv)

Please hang in there....the color is really weird at first, but gets better.

Thanks for looking.
Shelley

[Embersmom]

Just one more of the last little guy I got today.
http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/th_red.jpg (http://s612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/?action=view&current=red.flv)


It looks ruby red, but ANY chance it's something wild, like maybe one of these:

http://www.chensdiscus.co.uk/wp-content/070940.jpg

http://www.chensdiscus.co.uk/wp-content/070941.jpg

http://www.chensdiscus.co.uk/wp-content/070939.jpg

[luckyfind]

Very nice collection you are putting together there. If you do not mind me asking,where did you get your latest wilds. I can see another tank in the near future.
Laurence

[samuelkl]

wow. the discus bug is really biting hard. is that three more discus purchased??? sounds like impulsive buying to me but that's expected when first starting in the discus hobby

like the heckel, wish i could find some in LA, but it looks a little young

[Embersmom]

Very nice collection you are putting together there. If you do not mind me asking,where did you get your latest wilds. I can see another tank in the near future.
Laurence

I've managed to get my hands on FIVE wilds in the last two days - all from two local fish stores. I know I'm VERY fortunate. My exhusband who is an engineer figures I'm almost at maximum load with six tanks in a 600 square foot apartment on the third floor! Don't want to push my luck.

[Embersmom]

wow. the discus bug is really biting hard. is that three more discus purchased??? sounds like impulsive buying to me but that's expected when first starting in the discus hobby

like the heckel, wish i could find some in LA, but it looks a little young

Yeah, five since yesterday! I know, I know. I think I'm starting to lean heavily on wilds especially with my altum. I don't think I'll have a problem finding homes for my domestics :) The little red guy I got today is going to a new home on Tuesday as well.

[Embersmom]

Hey Shelley,
Looks like the Discus bug's really biting eh? Good for you! Like anything in life, it's interesting to have others opinions now and then, but what it's all about is what something means to you; you are happy with your Discus & thats all that matters. Your fish look great btw & I look forward to seeing those new arrivals!
Kind Regards
Keith

Thanks, Keith. Yes, it sure has bitten. And luckily for me it's bitten me in the backside - otherwise if I sat down all day I wouldn't get in all the waterchanges I have to do. Remember, I also have five other non-discus tanks!!! I can't wait for them to fatten up a bit. They're like new tank puppies!
Shelley

[frenchie100]

I think you have found the perfect hobby! I believe that it takes a person like you to really succeed in this hobby.

I can see that you are willing to put however amount of work necessary to make these discus happy in their new environment.

The learning might get a little overwhelming at times but I am sure you will pass that stage with flying colors!

Good luck with your new endeavour, and you sure have come to the perfect place! There are plenty of people here who are more than willing to answer any questions you may have.

Julie :)

[Embersmom]

I think you have found the perfect hobby! I believe that it takes a person like you to really succeed in this hobby.

I can see that you are willing to put however amount of work necessary to make these discus happy in their new environment.

The learning might get a little overwhelming at times but I am sure you will pass that stage with flying colors!

Good luck with your new endeavour, and you sure have come to the perfect place! There are plenty of people here who are more than willing to answer any questions you may have.

Julie :)

Thanks, Julie - I really do appreciate that. I'm a little out of the ordinary in that with most people, they gain knowledge over a period of time and years of trial and error - they get that "wise", "wisdom" thing. I get a bee in my bonnet and that's that - I need to know everything and I need to know everything NOW. Don't have time for my own errors, so I read and learn from others. Errors still do happen, but quite often I remember something I read and I can put out smoke before it becomes a fire. So am I a little embarrased to say I've only had discus for two months? Yes. Absolutely. I have been keeping fish for over 15 years though. Mostly loaches and botias. I still have a couple over 12 years old. And they were tough to keep sometimes, especially to treat as they either have no scales or tiny scales. So I have learnt quite a lot over the years and I'm also old enough to remember tanks FULL of L046 zebra plecos for $25 each which we thought was WAY expensive! So with my current assortment of discus/altum tank, angelfish, ram and rainbow tank, community tank, 17 gallon barebottom "planted" rimless bowfront with 5 different species of rams (I have a bonded pair - an electric blue male and a female german blue balloon!), etc. etc. I'm learning a LOT in a short time!!

[frenchie100]

Hey! You sound like me! My husband thinks I am crazy! Too much of a perfectionist. :o

Oh yeah! You are perfect for this! :D

I had 3 clown loaches for 8 years! Loved those guys!

I had a community tank for 7 years before I even thought about discus and it still it me like a ton of bricks! I felt like I was a complete newbie with fish keeping when I had thought of myself as pretty experienced before that!

I hope it will be a smoother ride for you :D!

Julie :)

[Embersmom]

Hey! You sound like me! My husband thinks I am crazy! Too much of a perfectionist. :o

Oh yeah! You are perfect for this! :D

I had 3 clown loaches for 8 years! Loved those guys!

I had a community tank for 7 years before I even thought about discus and it still it me like a ton of bricks! I felt like I was a complete newbie with fish keeping when I had thought of myself as pretty experienced before that!

I hope it will be a smoother ride for you :D!

Julie :)

I know exactly what you mean. I look back on how I used to treat my fish and think: "How did they all LIVE?"!! Having discus has made me a MUCH better fishkeeper all round. All my other tanks are benefitting from me paying them all much more attention. I don't even have to use anything to test the water anymore - I just watch the fish. They tell me exactly what's happening in the water by the way they move, or eat, or don't eat, etc. etc. I'd have to say stumbling across these fish has been a little bit of magic.

[Scribbles]

Love your new wilds!

Chris

[Embersmom]

Love your new wilds!

Chris

Thanks, Chris. I kinda do too! I woke up a couple of times last night and walked out to look at the tank in very low light. I thought they would be sleeping, but they weren't. The blues were flashing the most amazing turquoise color I have ever seen. They had completely lost their stress bars. And the ica Heckels were showing honey gold and lilac/pale blue. I could have watched them for HOURS, but, well, I had to sleep!

[Embersmom]

One last one and then I'll go back to lurking, I promise!

I think it must have been pretty interesting in the discus/altum tank last night once the lights were off. This morning, the altum, former co-boss of the tank was hiding behind a piece of driftwood. The largest wilds weren't far in front of him. The domestics were all huddled on the other side of the tank along with a couple of the new wilds. The new crowned bosses? The blue wilds! Are they ever tough. I caught a couple of looks at them last night when there was very low light. The turquoise is stunning. They dropped their stress bars entirely and went about scaring the daylights out of everyone, apparently!

Anyhow, the little red mystery runt has been banished to the enchanted forest until he goes to his new home on Tuesday. If you think you might know what he is, please let me know.

Shelley

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/th_Dec6.jpg (http://s612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/embersmom_album/?action=view&current=Dec6.flv)