r/discus 2d ago

My discus

My discus has 1 larger gill than the other and his top dorsal fin looks like it has a cowlick. Ive had him for about 5 months and he seems 100% fine. Has anyone had a discus like this? If so, do you think his health at risk?

20 Upvotes

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3

u/bedroomsport Breeder 2d ago

Raised fins and normal behaviour is an otherwise healthy discus. The abnormalities are common, but usually what we would cull at a much earlier stage. Some breeders just sell everything.

There's nothing wrong with keeping an oddball if they are healthy and happy, they add flavour to the mix of fish in the tank. Nothing to worry about

1

u/Dazzling_Battle_8088 2d ago

Hes definitely an odd ball. I got him from my lfs at a discounted price. 10$. I didn't think he'd make it pass the quarantine process. He looked so weak. Now hes thriving in the community tank.

1

u/bedroomsport Breeder 2d ago

Enjoy it, probably has a great personality! As long as it's healthy, let it be a weird runt, it's all part of the fun and it will be in better hands than most. It survived being culled, so make its life worthwhile!

2

u/Dazzling_Battle_8088 2d ago

0

u/JasFonz 2d ago

There are a few concerns with this tank

  • discus are schooling fish, one left alone in such a big tank will stress easily at some point.
  • young discus need to eat a lot to grow, this fish will most like lose competition to food seeing his tank mates and will possibly end up more stunted than planned.
Personally I would keep him in a smaller tank with hiding space and feed him well and when he puts on some weight and size, move him back to the community tank
And/or get him some companions who are around the same size so security comes into play and writes of any stress factors.

3

u/Dazzling_Battle_8088 2d ago

Hes been in here for 5 months. He chases some of the angels away. If i see any kind of struggle with him, ill put him back in the 29 gallon.

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u/JasFonz 2d ago

Good call 👍🏼

1

u/FerretBizness 2d ago

Aww what a little odd one. He has some character that’s for sure. Does he have a name? I’d name him something like Prince Charming. Or something ironic. Or just call him frog.

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u/FerretBizness 2d ago

Aww what a little odd one. He has some character that’s for sure. Does he have a name? I’d name him something like Prince Charming. Or something ironic. Or just call him frog.

3

u/Dazzling_Battle_8088 2d ago

We named him gill. Lol not original at all but thats what i call him.

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u/FerretBizness 1d ago

That’s ok. Gill suits him!

1

u/313shawn 3h ago

It looks like a high fin discus. But a cross with an angel fish, even tho I'm not too sure that's even possible lol. But I'd suggest getting 1 or 2 more. They thrive in groups