stunted discus

Hi, is there any sure way of telling a stunted discus (eg as opposed to a juvi in the lps) as only an experienced keeper can judge the eye to head body ratio. Also, why such a big hype over stunted discus...do they stunt more easily than other fish?...there is not much hype over stunted angels or malawis for example.

 

Hi @disco

Why the Hype - I think because they are expensive to start with - you wouldnt want to buy a new Ferrari with an Engine problem would you?
Secondly - They just look crap when stunted. Eyes are too big, body most often seem just a little ill-developed.
From a breeding perspective - They are as fertile as a non-stunted Discus, although breeding with them is more difficult as their spawns tend to be smaller which makes raising fry more difficult, not impossible though.

Simple test - the line that runs through the eye should be able to "house" 7 (seven) of the fish's eyes. So you have to judge carefully, using the size of the eye, and the line through the eye. Will you thus be able to fit 7 eyes from top of the head to bottom of the head. If not, its most probably stunted.

I have learned the following sad thing - and stone me if you disagree, but prove me wrong at the same time please. 90% of LPS discus are stunted! Thats the simple truth. They do not recieve the treatment, food, water conditions etc to stay healthy and grow. I have seen some very nice Discus at LPS's, so I'm not saying its impossible, but as a general rule -I stay away, no matter how tempting it seems. I am of the opinion that these fish are brought in from suspect breeders in the east (there are decent ones in Asia, but most "cheapies" are from suspect breeders) and arrive here 'vrot' with Flagellates. They spend x amount of time untreated at the LPS and these guys sell them to an unknowing customer who ends up with dying or stunted fish. I adamantly say we should "expect" better quality discus, and not settle for less, then only will the rubbish stop being dumped at our LPS.

Rgds

Marco

 

I agree with Marco, and to be fair go check Marco's fish out, dude you don't find quality discus in LFS. If I was to buy some discus I would contact Marco or prof. Wouldn't you prefer to have healthy, non-stressed fish?? Anyone who loves fish would say no to stunt angels and malawis as well.

 

@Marco, thanks i also think you are 100% correct from what ive seen down here in the cape most lps discus are stunted. There is only one store ive seen that sells full to almost full grown A grade imported discus. Just to clarify for those who do buy from lps, does the 7 eye rule apply for any age discus or only adults?

 

The discus will also look a little elongated rather than round

 

@matteffect
I disagree with them being elongated. Some Discus just have that shape eithrer due to a slightly curved spine, and some breeders actually breed for that look.

@disco
The eye rule is more or less applicable at any age. At any given age the eye should be proportional to the size of the body, and for that the 7 eye rule applies. The older and theoretically "more stunted" (lack of better description) the fish becomes, the larger the eye will be proportional to its body. Sometimes you find these fish that the eye is so big you cant even fit three into that line.
We have to however be carefull when discussing wild Discus which as a rule has a less rounded body and large eyes in proportion to the body. It is not then nescessarily indicative of a stunted fish.

Rgds

Marco

 

Ok thank you marco, i just read the elongated rule on the internet but now i know it doesnt count +)

 

@matteffect

Fish being elongated can very well be stunted, but it could also just be a bad shaped fish. Instead always focus on the eye which is a genuine give away. So your statement is actually not entirely wrong, as long as the shape goes with the enlarged eyes.

Rgds

Marco

 

Alright but i still dont get the 7 eye rule where do you measure from ?

 

Look at that red Turq you have. The black bar that runs through his eye - on that line, from top to bottom, 7 of his eyes should fit onto that line.

 

Oh ok thanks alot =)

 

If a discus has no strip is it stunned, geneticly born like that or modified with cosmetics?