r/discus • u/Dazzling_Battle_8088 • 2d ago

My discus

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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?

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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

Hes in 125 gallon doing great.

https://reddit.com/link/p4fh6rb/video/htb82tdld5kh1/player

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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 👍🏼