A question about color.

[lunar]

Got 2 discus in Sept and they were this gorgeous bright red when I first got 'em. 4 days in, they changed to this amazing red blue. Now, 2 months later, they're startin' to turn brown. Been feedin' 'em blackworms with red enhancers and color flakes. What do I need to add to their diet to get the red back? Or are they just gonna keep gettin' browner?

[jade]

You could try adding something with salmon to their diet, like Bug Bites - might help bring back that red color.

[sonyx]

Re: A question about color.

I'm a big fan of Ocean Nutrition Prime Reef flakes for their red enhancers. The ingredients include plankton, dried fish protein digest, salmon, fish meal, and more. They also have cochineal and annatto seed for added color, along with salmon eggs and fish oil.

[bayside]

Re: A question about color.

I've found that adding Astaxanthin to the cubes really helps bring out the red hues in my discus.

[lunar]

Re: A question about color.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the suggestions. I never thought about feeding my discus reef or saltwater food. Does Astaxanthin come in a supplement or is it already in some foods? Where can I find it?

[Deepsea]

Re: A question about color.

Astaxanthin is actually present in many commercial fish foods, particularly those high-end flowerhorn preparations. Asian breeders often use potent color enhancers and even hormones to achieve that vibrant color, which fades once the discus is no longer on that diet.

[bayside]

Re: A question about color.

I picked up my Astaxanthin powder from KensFish.com - it's been a game-changer. Two bags last a while, in my experience. Discus don't eat much relative to their body size, so the food they do get is pretty concentrated with added color enhancers. I've had similar success with Carophyll for my yellow discus.

[Purrer]

Re: A question about color.

I've been using Astaxanthin powder from KensFish.com on my beef heart. I sprinkle it on, mix it in well before freezing, and that's how I feed my fish.