why do discus flare their gills?

[tigercub]

I've noticed my discus flaring their gills a lot lately. It's not constant, but it happens a few times a day. They're in a 75-gallon tank with sand substrate, driftwood, and some Amazon swords. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate, pH 6.8. Temp is steady at 84°F. Anyone know why they do this?

[giggle]

Gill flaring can be a sign of territorial behavior, especially if you have multiple males. How many discus are in the tank, and what's the male-to-female ratio? Also, are they doing it during feeding or just randomly? My group used to flare a lot until I adjusted the stocking density.

[gett246]

I've noticed my discus flaring their gills a lot lately. It's not constant, but it happens a few times a day. They're in a 75-gallon tank with sand substrate, driftwood, and some Amazon swords. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate, pH 6.8. Temp is steady at 84°F. Anyone know why they do this?

It's likely dominance displays. I've got six discus in a 90-gallon, and the two males flare at each other near the driftwood. They're chill otherwise, no nipping. As long as params are stable and they're eating, I wouldn't stress.

[Lexi]

Mine do this too! I thought it was weird at first, but they've been fine for months. I have a 55-gallon with four discus, a bunch of tetras, and a pair of rams. They flare mostly during water changes, maybe 'cause they're stressed?

[jolvy]

Could be a mix of territory and stress. What's your water change routine? Sudden temp or pH swings might trigger it. I do 30% twice a week with aged water, and mine barely flare unless they're spawning.

[Boldy]

Yep, it's usually just them being drama queens. My crew flares like they're in a WWE match, especially after I rearrange the tank. As long as they're not gasping at the surface or hiding, it's probably normal. What's your feeding schedule like?

[purered]

Yep, it's usually just them being drama queens. My crew flares like they're in a WWE match, especially after I rearrange the tank. As long as they're not gasping at the surface or hiding, it's probably normal. What's your feeding schedule like?

LOL, WWE match is spot on. Mine go nuts during beef heart time. Tigercub, you feeding live or frozen? Sometimes they get extra hype for certain foods.

[knight]

Gill flaring can also indicate oxygen levels. What's your surface agitation like? I run two sponge filters and a canister with a spray bar to keep things oxygenated. Had issues when I relied solely on the canister output.

[bloom]

Agree with the oxygen point. I added an air stone just in case, and the flaring dropped. Also, check for stray currents—my discus hated the flow from my old powerhead. Switched to a gentler pump, and they chilled out.

[tigercub]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll try adjusting the flow and maybe add an air stone. They're eating frozen bloodworms and pellets fine, so I'm not too worried now.