Snakeskin Discus
Pickup available at Napier
Usually ready in 4 hours
Shipping & Returns
All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).
We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.
We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.
Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
- DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
- Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
- Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
- DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
- DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.
Introducing New Fish
Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!
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Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
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Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
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Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
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Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
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The Snakeskin Discus is a beautifully patterned discus variety prized for its intricate maze-like markings and elegant body shape. Its name comes from the fine, snake-like lines and detailed patterning that spread across the body and fins, creating a highly decorative and eye-catching appearance. Available in a range of colours including blue, red, and golden tones, Snakeskin Discus are a standout addition to peaceful tropical aquariums.
Like all discus, this variety thrives in warm, stable water conditions and benefits from a calm environment with excellent filtration. Their graceful swimming style and social nature make them ideal for dedicated discus aquariums or carefully selected community setups with compatible tank mates.
Physical Characteristics:
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Adult Size:
Approximately 15–20cm -
Body Shape:
Round, laterally compressed disc-shaped body -
Colouration:
Highly patterned body with intricate snakeskin-style lines and markings in various colour forms
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Sexual Dimorphism:
Males may develop slightly thicker foreheads and longer finnage, though sexes are difficult to distinguish visually -
Lifespan:
Approximately 8–12 years with proper care
Behaviour & Temperament:
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Temperament:
Peaceful and social -
Swimming Level:
Middle levels -
Social Behaviour:
Best kept in groups. Discus are schooling cichlids that feel more secure when housed with other discus. -
Recommended Group Size:
Minimum group of 5–6 individuals recommended
Aquarium Requirements
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Minimum Tank Size:
300 litres recommended for a group -
Water Temperature:
28–31°C -
pH Range:
5.8–7.0 -
Water Hardness:
Soft to moderately soft water preferred -
Water Flow:
Gentle to moderate -
Substrate:
Fine gravel, sand, or bare-bottom setups -
Aquascape:
Driftwood, plants, open swimming areas, and calm environments -
Lighting:
Low to moderate lighting
Feeding:
Snakeskin Discus require a varied, high-quality diet to maintain their health, growth, and vibrant colouration.
Suitable Foods
- Premium discus pellets
- Frozen bloodworms
- Frozen brine shrimp
- Beefheart mixes (sparingly)
- High-quality tropical granules
- Vitamin-enriched frozen foods
Feeding Frequency
Feed juveniles 3–5 times daily and adults 2–3 times daily in controlled portions.
Compatibility:
Suitable Tank Mates
- Cardinal tetras
- Rummy nose tetras
- Corydoras catfish
- Peaceful plecos
- Rams and other peaceful dwarf cichlids
Avoid Housing With
- Aggressive cichlids
- Fin nippers
- Fast, boisterous fish
- Cold-water species
Breeding:
Spawning Type:
Egg layer
Difficulty:
Moderate to advanced
Notes:
Pairs typically lay eggs on vertical surfaces such as cones, pipes, or broad leaves. Fry feed on the parents’ mucus coating during early development.
Special Considerations:
- Requires excellent water quality and stable conditions
- Sensitive to sudden parameter changes
- Warm water temperatures are essential
- Quarantine new fish carefully to prevent disease introduction
- Best suited for experienced aquarists or dedicated discus keepers
Product Photo is for reference only. Exact fish may vary in size and colour.
