Dicus

[tHE SCRiBBLEs]

 

[rabbut]

The eye is large relative to the rest of the fish, so I'm going to say yes, it looks like it is stunted to me I'm afraid

It looks like a Juvinile from that pic to me, so with time and regular large daily waterchanges (read 50-80% daily), the stunting may grow out, or become less obvious, depending on how early you catch it... Unfortunately, poor waterchange regiems with disucus under 5 inches is the most common discus "newbie" mistake (after not researching before purchase and in-appropriate set-up's), that leads to most first-timer's fish becomming stunted

In short, waterchange more if that is your fish, and offer plenty of high-protien, high quality food Don't offer beefheart though, as it can lead to internal problems in later life

HTH
Rabbut

 

[mike os]

looking at the eye size, degree of colouration & shape I would think it probably is. Looks to be 6-8weeks old?

Lots of food, especially high protein foods inc beefheart....(don't believe the bull), fed 4-6+ times a day,plenty of big water changes

looking a the size...(looks to be about 2"?) should be in a shoal of 8-10 minimum if it is to thrive.

 

[tHE SCRiBBLEs]

The eye is large relative to the rest of the fish, so I'm going to say yes, it looks like it is stunted to me I'm afraid

It looks like a Juvinile from that pic to me, so with time and regular large daily waterchanges (read 50-80% daily), the stunting may grow out, or become less obvious, depending on how early you catch it... Unfortunately, poor waterchange regiems with disucus under 5 inches is the most common discus "newbie" mistake (after not researching before purchase and in-appropriate set-up's), that leads to most first-timer's fish becomming stunted

In short, waterchange more if that is your fish, and offer plenty of high-protien, high quality food Don't offer beefheart though, as it can lead to internal problems in later life

HTH
Rabbut

So if I do what you say, how much larger will the fish get?

 

[mike os]

it may grow fine, up to 4-5", but is unlikely to be round, more likely to be pointy like a rugby ball


alone IME they rarely thrive if small

 

[tHE SCRiBBLEs]

it may grow fine, up to 4-5", but is unlikely to be round, more likely to be pointy like a rugby ball


alone IME they rarely thrive if small

Its a long story, but soon I am getting a 75 gallon tank and will have more. A shoal of 5-6 mabey even 7

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

The eye is large relative to the rest of the fish, so I'm going to say yes, it looks like it is stunted to me I'm afraid

I am going to disagree with you and say it may be slightly stunted at most. I wouldn't put it in that category yet. I am sure that if you take good care of this fish and take the advice given you should be able to stop the damage, or possibly (as the fish grows) reverse the effects.

 

[tHE SCRiBBLEs]

The eye is large relative to the rest of the fish, so I'm going to say yes, it looks like it is stunted to me I'm afraid

I am going to disagree with you and say it may be slightly stunted at most. I wouldn't put it in that category yet. I am sure that if you take good care of this fish and take the advice given you should be able to stop the damage, or possibly (as the fish grows) reverse the effects.

Well thats good news. I will do everything in power to keep this from happening

 

[rabbut]

I shall bow down to Discuslova's coment about the fish not beeing too badly stunded, if at all, as she has more experience with these fish than me

What I won't agree with is the following though;

Lots of food, especially high protein foods inc beefheart....(don't believe the bull), fed 4-6+ times a day,plenty of big water changes

The 4-5 feeds a day and lots of large waterchanges is good advise Also, high protien foods are the best choise, but the bolded bit is the area where I have the issue.

Beefheart has lots of protien, yes, and it will increase growth, however, it is mamilian protien, which is different to the type of protien found in fish and other natural protien sources that discus would find in the wild. Problem? The land based animal protien found in Beefheart when digested leaves a fat that is absorbed by the fish. The fish cannot expell this fat, and also has no use for it, so it builds up arround the liver and heart amongst other organs, putting them under increased strain. These organs eventually fail prematurely, and the fish dies as a result. This is known as fatty liver disease. The quantities of this fat produced is small though, so the effects take a while to set-in. Issues with diet can take months, or in this case years, to exibit themselves, so just because your 5 year old discus appreas to be doing well on Beefheart, does not nessisarily mean to say that it has a good diet that will let it be fit and healty into old age

A fish fed regularly on Beefheart will die youngh, due to bad husbandary. There are better sources of protien, please use them

All the best
Rabbut

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

I am a he. For some reason everyone thinks I am a girl... Must be the name




Anyways, what Rabbut is saying is pretty much correct. Just like humans fat isn't great for fish. Store bought beefheart should normally be avoided (although I have to fess up and say I give it to mine on occasion ) I have always read though, that if you make your own beefheart, it's a source of vitamins (yes they can be added to the mix) vegtables (a important part of the Discus diet that is regularly missed) and protien. Look through a few recipies online, there are a lot! Don't be afraid to add to the recipe also (good ideas are small amounts of shellfish, spinach, lettuce, garlic, ect.) As long as you cut out the fat in the heart and leave only lean meat you will be fine. People have even tried other hearts too. Maybe veal would have less fat???

 

[tHE SCRiBBLEs]

Well I havent fed this fish any beefheart so this will not be a problem.

Man, you guys sure know what your talkin about!

 

[rabbut]

I am a he. For some reason everyone thinks I am a girl... Must be the name

Sorry