Heckel Cross Discus
Symphysodon discus
About this strain
The Heckel Cross is a first-generation hybrid between a pure Symphysodon discus and a domesticated Symphysodon aequifasciatus strain, most often a Turquoise or Blue Diamond. The result is a fish that retains the bold, dark 1st, 5th, and 9th bars characteristic of the Heckel while layering in iridescent blue or turquoise patterning across the body. The bars are typically softer than a pure Heckel but still clearly dominant. Coloration can vary widely depending on the domestic parent used. Hardier than pure Heckel and more forgiving of slightly harder water, these are often recommended as a gateway into the Heckel look without the strict soft-water demands.
Origin
Heckel Crosses emerged from deliberate and accidental pairings by Asian and European breeders through the 1990s and 2000s as hobbyists sought to combine Heckel aesthetics with the greater domesticated hardiness. No single breeder is credited with the strain.