DISCUS BLUE SCORPION SIZE 3.5 INCH

Blue Scorpion Discus: a flattened Amazonian cichlid marked by unsettling blue geometry.

Buy healthy Blue Scorpion Discus, 3.5 inch, from our premium aquatics store. Expert care guide with water parameters, tank mates, feeding tips, and more.

• Water Conditions: The Blue Scorpion Discus is a warm-water Amazonian cichlid that demands exceptionally stable, soft, and acidic water to thrive. Aim for a temperature between 28–30°C (82–86°F), which supports a robust immune system and healthy digestion. pH should sit between 6.0 and 7.0, ideally around 6.4–6.8, while general hardness (GH) should be kept low at 1–8 dGH and carbonate hardness (KH) at 0–5 dKH. A total dissolved solids (TDS) reading of 100–250 ppm is ideal. Ammonia and nitrite must always read zero, and nitrate should stay below 20 ppm through regular water changes. Because discus are sensitive to shifts, use aged or RO-remineralised water for changes of 30–50% weekly, matching temperature and parameters precisely. A reliable heater, digital thermometer, and gentle filtration with a sponge pre-filter will help maintain the pristine conditions this fish requires.
• Suitable Tank Mates: Blue Scorpion Discus are peaceful, social cichlids that do best in a species group of five to six individuals, which spreads aggression and reduces stress. For a community setup, choose calm, warm-water companions that will not nip fins or outcompete them for food. Excellent choices include cardinal tetras, rummy-nose tetras, lemon tetras, sterbai and bronze corydoras, bristlenose plecos, and small peaceful rasboras such as harlequins. Avoid aggressive or boisterous species like tiger barbs, serpae tetras, large cichlids, goldfish, and any fish that could be swallowed whole, such as very small neon tetras or chili rasboras. Angelfish can work but may carry pathogens and compete at feeding time, so quarantine carefully. Bottom dwellers like corydoras are ideal because they clean up missed food without disturbing the discus, and a small group of peaceful dither fish helps the discus feel secure and display their best colours.
• Feeding Habits: Discus are carnivorous-omnivores with a strong preference for high-protein foods. At 3.5 inches they are still growing juveniles, so offer two to four small meals daily rather than one large feeding. A varied diet is essential for vivid colour, proper growth, and long-term health. Staple foods include premium discus pellets or granules, freeze-dried or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, blackworms, and a quality homemade beef heart or seafood mix. Avoid feeding tubifex worms, which can introduce disease, and avoid overfeeding, as discus are prone to bloating and fatty liver issues. Thaw frozen foods and rinse them before offering, and remove any uneaten food after ten minutes to keep water quality high. Because they are slow, deliberate eaters, target-feed near the group and ensure tank mates do not steal their food. Rotate foods throughout the week to cover all nutritional needs.
• Care Requirements and Tank Setup: A group of five to six Blue Scorpion Discus needs a tank of at least 50 gallons, though 75 gallons or more is strongly recommended for stable water chemistry and adult growth. Use a bare-bottom or fine-sand substrate for easy cleaning, and provide driftwood, broad-leaf plants like Amazon swords or anubias, and dim, subdued lighting to mimic their natural shaded habitat. Filtration should be efficient but gentle; canister filters with spray bars or air-driven sponge filters work well, while strong currents should be avoided. Maintain a strict maintenance routine: 30–50% water changes weekly, more frequently for juveniles, plus monthly filter media rinses in tank water. Quarantine all new fish for four to six weeks before adding them, and always drip-acclimatise your discus over 45–60 minutes. Watch for signs of stress such as darkening, clamped fins, hiding, or rapid breathing. Common health issues include ich, fin rot, and hole-in-the-head, often linked to poor water quality or vitamin deficiency. Keep the temperature stable, avoid sudden parameter swings, and provide a calm environment to let this stunning fish reach its full 6–8 inch potential.
• Acclimation and Quarantine: When your 3.5-inch Blue Scorpion Discus arrives, float the bag for 15–20 minutes to equalise temperature, then use the drip method to slowly mix tank water into the bag over 45–60 minutes. Discus are notoriously sensitive to pH and temperature shock, so patience here prevents stress-related illness. Never net them roughly; use a soft net or transfer them in a container. If you are adding them to an established display tank, a separate quarantine tank for four to six weeks is strongly advised to observe for parasites, bacterial infections, and internal worms before introducing them to your main group.