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There are many things that could cause a discus to become stressed or skittish. The discus may even show this by turning dark colored, clamping their fins, or hiding.
- Other fish in the tank:
This could be other discus establishing the pecking order or other fish. Discus do best in schools of 6 or more of their own species. Other species usually don't mix well with discus.
- Water quality:
This could be ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, chlorine, chloramines, lack of water changes, unstable pH, too much pH change from a water change, low oxygen, chemicals such as paint or aerosols, improper minerals in water, or medications.
- Disease:
This could be internal or external parasites or bacteria. It could also be injury.
- Diet:
Poor nutrition and poor feeding habits, such as using pellet foods that are not presoaked that may swell up in the fish's digestive tract.
- Other factors:
- Temperature: Improper temperature, either too high or too low, or too large of a temperature change too fast.
- Light: Fish eyes react very slowly to changes in light levels, flickering lights (including near a TV or computer), or shadows.
- Sounds: Vibrations or intermittent noise, such as passing traffic or nearby motorized equipment.
- Stray voltage: Test with a voltmeter from water to ground, use a ground probe if necessary.
- Metal: Corroding metals in contact with the water.
- Environment:
- Were they recently moved to a new environment?
- Shipping stress.
- New additions of fish.
- Handling the fish.
- High traffic near the tank, walking past, etc.
Internet Resource:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_FA005
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