Why discus fry get eaten?

[swiftDart]

I've got a breeding pair of Discus in a 55-gallon tank, and every time they spawn, the fry disappear within a few days. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. Temp's at 84°F, and I'm doing 30% water changes every other day. They're fed live brine shrimp and beef heart mix twice daily. Tankmates are just a few cardinal tetras. Any idea why the fry keep vanishing?

[subway]

It's likely the parents are eating them. Discus can be unpredictable with fry, especially first-time breeders. Are they in a high-traffic area? Stress from movement or noise can trigger this. Try covering the tank sides with paper to reduce external stimuli. Also, check if the tetras are nipping at the fry—they're usually peaceful, but hungry fish might mess with the babies.

[kadyash]

Classic case of 'oops, I made snacks.' Happens all the time. My pair did the same thing until I moved them to a bare-bottom tank with no distractions. Even then, they still went full cannibal mode once. Maybe your tetras are giving them a weird vibe, or the parents just aren't cut out for parenting. Ever thought about pulling the fry early?

[mander]

I've had success with adding more hiding spots for the fry. Java moss or spawning cones can help. Also, how old are the parents? Younger pairs often struggle with fry care. If they're under a year old, they might just need more time to figure it out. Keep the water pristine, and maybe bump up the feeding frequency for the adults so they're less tempted.

[gett246]

Classic case of 'oops, I made snacks.' Happens all the time. My pair did the same thing until I moved them to a bare-bottom tank with no distractions. Even then, they still went full cannibal mode once. Maybe your tetras are giving them a weird vibe, or the parents just aren't cut out for parenting. Ever thought about pulling the fry early?

Yep, bare-bottom is key. I've bred Discus for years, and the fewer variables, the better. Also, what's your lighting like? Bright lights can stress the parents. Try dimming it or using a timer to simulate natural cycles.

[Finny]

Agree with the stress angle. My pair only stopped eating fry after I moved their tank to a quieter room. Also, are you using a sponge filter? Strong currents can scatter the fry, making them easier targets. A gentle flow and lots of cover worked for me. Oh, and double-check your water hardness—soft water seems to help with parental behavior.

[CycleFan]

Dude, same thing happened to me. Fry kept vanishing, and I was clueless. Turns out my pair was just bad at parenting. Switched to artificial hatching, and now I raise 'em separately. It's a hassle, but better than watching 'em get eaten. Maybe try a fry saver net next time?

[Honey]

It's not just about the tank setup. Genetics play a role too. Some lines are just worse at parenting. If you've ruled out water quality and stress, consider swapping one of the parents. Also, how often are you observing the tank? Too much peeking can spook them. Try limiting your check-ins to feeding times.

[swiftDart]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try dimming the lights and adding more cover. The parents are about 18 months old, so maybe they'll improve with time. I'll also keep an eye on the tetras—didn't think they'd be a factor.

[metiteh]

Agree with the stress angle. My pair only stopped eating fry after I moved their tank to a quieter room. Also, are you using a sponge filter? Strong currents can scatter the fry, making them easier targets. A gentle flow and lots of cover worked for me. Oh, and double-check your water hardness—soft water seems to help with parental behavior.

This. My Discus were total fry monsters until I moved their tank away from the TV. Also, try upping the protein in their diet. Sometimes they eat fry just 'cause they're hungry for more nutrients.