{"product_id":"red-melon-discus","title":"Red Melon Discus","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"39\" data-end=\"455\"\u003eThe Red Melon Discus is a stunning freshwater cichlid admired for its vibrant orange-red colouration and graceful, disc-shaped body. Selectively bred for its rich solid colouring and elegant finnage, this variety has become a favourite among serious aquarists and planted aquarium enthusiasts alike. Their calm swimming behaviour and striking appearance make them a true centrepiece fish in large tropical aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"457\" data-end=\"792\"\u003eDiscus are often regarded as one of the most rewarding fish to keep, but they do require stable water conditions and attentive care. Red Melon Discus thrive in warm, clean aquariums with peaceful tank mates and a nutritious, varied diet. When properly maintained, they display incredible colour intensity and engaging social behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-section-id=\"sgkise\" data-start=\"799\" data-end=\"826\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhysical Characteristics:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"828\" data-end=\"867\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"828\" data-end=\"843\"\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"843\" data-end=\"846\"\u003eApproximately 15–20cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"869\" data-end=\"931\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"869\" data-end=\"884\"\u003eBody Shape:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"884\" data-end=\"887\"\u003eRound, laterally compressed disc-shaped body\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"933\" data-end=\"1035\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"933\" data-end=\"949\"\u003eColouration:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"949\" data-end=\"952\"\u003eBright orange-red to deep melon red body with subtle patterning depending on strain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1037\" data-end=\"1177\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1037\" data-end=\"1059\"\u003eSexual Dimorphism:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1059\" data-end=\"1062\"\u003eMales may develop slightly thicker foreheads and longer finnage, though sexes are difficult to distinguish visually\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1179\" data-end=\"1236\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1179\" data-end=\"1192\"\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1192\" data-end=\"1195\"\u003eApproximately 8–12 years with proper care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-section-id=\"1y8x2eq\" data-start=\"1243\" data-end=\"1269\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Temperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1271\" data-end=\"1309\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1271\" data-end=\"1287\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1287\" data-end=\"1290\"\u003ePeaceful and social\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1311\" data-end=\"1346\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1311\" data-end=\"1330\"\u003eSwimming Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1333\"\u003eMiddle levels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1348\" data-end=\"1475\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1348\" data-end=\"1369\"\u003eSocial Behaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1369\" data-end=\"1372\"\u003eBest kept in groups. Discus are schooling cichlids that feel more secure when housed with other discus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1477\" data-end=\"1551\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1477\" data-end=\"1504\"\u003eRecommended Group Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1504\" data-end=\"1507\"\u003eMinimum group of 5–6 individuals recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1584\" data-end=\"1643\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1584\" data-end=\"1606\"\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1606\" data-end=\"1609\"\u003e300 litres recommended for a group\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1645\" data-end=\"1677\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1645\" data-end=\"1667\"\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1667\" data-end=\"1670\"\u003e28–31°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1679\" data-end=\"1702\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1679\" data-end=\"1692\"\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1692\" data-end=\"1695\"\u003e5.8–7.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1704\" data-end=\"1765\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1704\" data-end=\"1723\"\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1723\" data-end=\"1726\"\u003eSoft to moderately soft water preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1767\" data-end=\"1803\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1767\" data-end=\"1782\"\u003eWater Flow:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1782\" data-end=\"1785\"\u003eGentle to moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1805\" data-end=\"1862\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1805\" data-end=\"1819\"\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1819\" data-end=\"1822\"\u003eFine gravel, sand, or bare-bottom setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1864\" data-end=\"1942\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1864\" data-end=\"1878\"\u003eAquascape:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1878\" data-end=\"1881\"\u003eDriftwood, plants, open swimming areas, and calm environments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1944\" data-end=\"1984\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1944\" data-end=\"1957\"\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1957\" data-end=\"1960\"\u003eLow to moderate lighting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-section-id=\"1alyfdz\" data-start=\"1991\" data-end=\"2001\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2003\" data-end=\"2090\"\u003eRed Melon Discus require a high-quality varied diet to maintain health and colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"yg0mkm\" data-start=\"2092\" data-end=\"2110\"\u003eSuitable Foods\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2111\" data-end=\"2272\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"a5qg0v\" data-start=\"2111\" data-end=\"2135\"\u003ePremium discus pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1gopp24\" data-start=\"2136\" data-end=\"2155\"\u003eFrozen bloodworms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"a2ttf1\" data-start=\"2156\" data-end=\"2177\"\u003eFrozen brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"d7spl4\" data-start=\"2178\" data-end=\"2207\"\u003eBeefheart mixes (sparingly)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"iijaml\" data-start=\"2208\" data-end=\"2240\"\u003eHigh-quality tropical granules\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1owitgk\" data-start=\"2241\" data-end=\"2272\"\u003eVitamin-enriched frozen foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"r37na8\" data-start=\"2274\" data-end=\"2295\"\u003eFeeding Frequency\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2296\" data-end=\"2377\"\u003eFeed juveniles 3–5 times daily and adults 2–3 times daily in controlled portions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-section-id=\"14bu82z\" data-start=\"2384\" data-end=\"2400\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"polr49\" data-start=\"2402\" data-end=\"2425\"\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2542\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1xngoc3\" data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2443\"\u003eCardinal tetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ws9hms\" data-start=\"2444\" data-end=\"2463\"\u003eRummy nose tetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"rjrheu\" data-start=\"2464\" data-end=\"2483\"\u003eCorydoras catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"14ft3oj\" data-start=\"2484\" data-end=\"2501\"\u003ePeaceful plecos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"19lasoi\" data-start=\"2502\" data-end=\"2542\"\u003eRams and other peaceful dwarf cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"srzxm8\" data-start=\"2544\" data-end=\"2566\"\u003eAvoid Housing With\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2567\" data-end=\"2647\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"3sbf07\" data-start=\"2567\" data-end=\"2588\"\u003eAggressive cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"4v8mwa\" data-start=\"2589\" data-end=\"2602\"\u003eFin nippers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"up4zv1\" data-start=\"2603\" data-end=\"2626\"\u003eFast, boisterous fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1owiv4e\" data-start=\"2627\" data-end=\"2647\"\u003eCold-water species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"d0niwh\" data-start=\"2654\" data-end=\"2665\"\u003eBreeding:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2667\" data-end=\"2697\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2667\" data-end=\"2685\"\u003eSpawning Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2685\" data-end=\"2688\"\u003eEgg layer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2699\" data-end=\"2737\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2699\" data-end=\"2714\"\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2714\" data-end=\"2717\"\u003eModerate to advanced\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2739\" data-end=\"2901\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2739\" data-end=\"2749\"\u003eNotes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2749\" data-end=\"2752\"\u003ePairs typically lay eggs on vertical surfaces such as cones, pipes, or broad leaves. Fry feed on the parents’ mucus coating during early development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"nh855t\" data-start=\"2908\" data-end=\"2933\"\u003eSpecial Considerations:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2935\" data-end=\"3203\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"vue65o\" data-start=\"2935\" data-end=\"2991\"\u003eRequires excellent water quality and stable conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"bpuwq6\" data-start=\"2992\" data-end=\"3031\"\u003eSensitive to sudden parameter changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"gbvner\" data-start=\"3032\" data-end=\"3071\"\u003eWarm water temperatures are essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"15mqrvs\" data-start=\"3072\" data-end=\"3135\"\u003eQuarantine new fish carefully to prevent disease introduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"8xq9cq\" data-start=\"3136\" data-end=\"3203\"\u003eBest suited for experienced aquarists or dedicated discus keepers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3210\" data-end=\"3290\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3210\" data-end=\"3290\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003eProduct Photo is for reference only. Exact fish may vary in size and colour.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Live Fish","offers":[{"title":"7cm","offer_id":51858885968158,"sku":"RedMel7cm","price":149.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"9cm","offer_id":51858886000926,"sku":"RedMel9cm","price":159.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2074\/2485\/files\/red-melon-discus-fish.webp?v=1778971109","url":"https:\/\/www.petessentialswarehouse.co.nz\/products\/red-melon-discus","provider":"Pet Essentials Warehouse","version":"1.0","type":"link"}