My discus fish is turning black.., what is happening to them?

Question

i noticed that my fish are turning black.. they were not like that when i bought them.... are they sick?

Answer 1

Discus tend to darken when they are sick with a number of diseases, parasites, etc, or when highly stressed.

What are your water parameters? Discus are highly sensitive, and need a pH of 6.5, a temperature in the high 80s, and low water hardness. They also need a lot of room, and they like a lot of plants.

They are sensitive, also, to poor water quality. Did you properly cycle your tank before putting the fish in? Test for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates.

Did you just get these fish? How did you get them (shipped? are they from a reputable place, or a chain petstore?)

Test your water thoroughly to determine the cause of the stress, and do a large water change.

Do they have any other symptoms, such as symptoms of a parasitic infection (white, or sick-looking feces; white spots; black spots; red spots)?

Answer 2

Your discus are exhibiting distress, get the water tested,do frequent small water changes.(Some discus people change water daily) What other kind of fishes do you have in the tank with them? Some fish feed on the body slime on the sides of discus until it stresses them to death. Plecos are especially bad about this. Discus are best kept in a dedicated tank.(Discus only) Hope this helps,they are such cool fish. PeeTee

Answer 3

They change color when they are stressed. I would get the water tested. Also do a 25% water change!

Answer 4

:Man that fish is listening to way too much rap music and hanging out with the brothers of the deep black sea....and talking about his bitches...yo! you know what im saying....actually I don't know anything about fish or discuses for that matter, better go find one of them animal doctors and give in to their healing hands and feel their love! so saythe the Lord!

Answer 5

maybe poor water quality...