{"product_id":"white-mercury-discus-symphysodon-aequifasciatus","title":"White Mercury Discus - Symphysodon Aequifasciatus","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhite Mercury Discus | A Striking and Elegant Centrepiece Fish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe White Mercury Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) is a breathtaking selectively bred variety of the legendary Discus — the undisputed king of the freshwater aquarium hobby. With a pristine, pearlescent white to silver body that reflects light across its broad, laterally compressed disc-shaped form, the White Mercury is a study in clean, minimalist elegance that stands apart from the more intensely coloured Discus varieties. In a well-planted, dimly lit aquarium, the effect is genuinely stunning — a slow-moving, almost luminous presence that commands the entire tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDiscus are not beginner fish — they are demanding, sensitive, and require consistent, meticulous water management to truly thrive. But for the aquarist prepared to meet their needs, they are deeply rewarding, highly intelligent, and genuinely unlike any other freshwater fish in the hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhite Mercury Discus Care Guide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScientific name: Symphysodon aequifasciatus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlso known as: White Mercury Discus, White Diamond Discus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrigin: Selectively bred from Amazon Basin stock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdult size: up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMinimum tank size: 75 gallons for a small group — taller tanks preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 82–88°F (28–31°C) — Discus require warmer water than most tropical fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH: 6.0–7.0 — soft, slightly acidic water strongly preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardness: 1–8 dGH — soft water essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest kept in groups of 5 or more\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLifespan: 10–15 years with exceptional care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhite Mercury Discus Tank Setup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eA tall, spacious, well-planted aquarium with dark substrate, driftwood, soft water, and subdued lighting creates the ideal environment for White Mercury Discus and will bring out the full luminosity of their colouration. Amazon Swords, Vallisneria, and other tall South American plants complement their natural habitat beautifully. Water quality is non-negotiable — Discus are extremely sensitive to nitrate accumulation, and levels should be kept below 20 ppm at all times. Large, frequent water changes of 25–30% several times per week are standard practice in dedicated Discus keeping, with new water matched precisely to tank temperature and parameters before addition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eStrong, efficient biological filtration combined with gentle water flow is essential — Discus come from slow-moving, heavily vegetated river backwaters and dislike strong currents. A mature, well-cycled aquarium is absolutely required before introducing Discus — they should never be added to a new or cycling tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Note on Temperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe warm water requirements of Discus — 82–88°F (28–31°C) — are higher than most common community fish and limit compatible tank mate options significantly. Any fish kept with Discus must be able to comfortably tolerate these temperatures. This is one of the most important considerations when planning a Discus community setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding Your White Mercury Discus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eDiscus are notoriously selective feeders that can be slow to accept new foods — patience and variety are key. High quality Discus-specific granules or pellets form a solid staple, supplemented with frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp. Beef heart paste is a widely used and highly effective food among dedicated Discus keepers and is particularly valuable for conditioning fish and encouraging spawning. Feed small amounts two to three times daily and remove uneaten food promptly — water quality deteriorates rapidly in a warm Discus tank if food is left to break down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhite Mercury Discus Tank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTank mate selection for Discus requires careful thought — their warm water requirements, peaceful temperament, and sensitivity to stress limit the options considerably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCardinal Tetras and Rummy Nose Tetras — the classic and most natural Discus companions, both tolerating the warm temperatures well\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorydoras sterbai — one of the few Corydoras species that comfortably tolerates Discus temperatures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGerman Blue Rams and other warm-water dwarf cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful plecos such as Bristlenose that tolerate warmer conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid any fish that cannot tolerate temperatures above 82°F (28°C)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid boisterous, fast-moving, or competitive species that will stress Discus or outcompete them for food\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid fin-nipping species of any kind\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","offers":[{"title":"3\"","offer_id":49339261059294,"sku":null,"price":149.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0645\/4768\/4574\/files\/IMG_2219.jpg?v=1793422629","url":"https:\/\/poseidonaquaticsandplants.com\/products\/white-mercury-discus-symphysodon-aequifasciatus","provider":"Poseidon Aquatics And Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}