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why is it that in some of my lfs tanks are there discus covered in little black spots. i am thinking this is just there natural color but why would a fish like this not be culled, and why is my lfs charging as much for these as there other fish who look great.


chris

Hi Chris,

The black spots are called peppering and is quite common, they dont cull them as there is no need to do so as it does not affect the fish in any way at all except the apperance of the fish.

Some pple really like the peppering and some dont, and most breeders strive for a non peppered fish.

Trace

peppering, sounds like a good excuse to sell a poor looking fish. there are probably nicley peppered fish, but the ones i have seen at my lfs are almost compltely covered and it just makes them look very dirty.


chris

I totally agree with you they do look dirty and in fact quite ugly in my opinion.

Try to get some fish from another scorce if you are not satisfied with your current provider, usually a recommended breeder is the best way to go.

Trace

i have not bought any from them and probably will not because i have a well known breeder in my area, in joe SZELESI at Enchanted Discus, but not all the fish looked like that.

does the peppering happen if neither of the parents show the trait. it would be bad to buy young discus only to have them look like that when they get bigger.


chris

Chris,

Its really hard to tell as it depends on genetics and the environment that the fish are in.

I have a pair that have no peppering at all but their last batch all showed some peppering on them which is a real pity as they are gorgeous other wise. I believe it was because i didnt have time to do the water changes that I normally do with them due to work commitments and the water wasn't as good as I normally keep it and this in my opinion was the reason for the peppering on the fry.

Sometimes It may be from generations before the parents and the kick backs from past strains may show through, but it is all a bit hit and miss, but very clean water good breeding stock and then hopefully pepper free fish is the result.

Trace