Red Cover Discus
Symphysodon aequifasciatus
About this strain
An intensely red discus with pigmentation that extends fully to the body margins, dorsal, and anal fins — the 'cover' name implies complete red coverage rather than a red center fading to other tones at the edges. The effect is a bold, uninterrupted red presentation. High-quality specimens are impressive; lower-grade fish often show orange rather than true red, or have significant pale areas near the fin edges. Like all deep-red strains, feeding astaxanthin and canthaxanthin-containing foods is essential for color maintenance. One of the more premium red strains commercially, and prices reflect that when well-bred specimens are available.
Origin
Developed in Southeast Asia, primarily through Malaysian and Taiwanese breeding programs, during the late 1990s to 2000s. Bred by selecting for maximum red coverage across the full body and fins; specific originating breeders are not consistently cited.