Royal Heckel Cross Discus

Royal Heckel Cross Discus

$67.00$190.00

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$67.00$190.00

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Colorfully arrayed in tones of burnt orange, red, black, and white, this spectacular beauty is a worthy prize for any fish collector or pet lover. Its smooth disk-like shape adds to its exotic appearance, while its vivid streaks adds a certain spark. You will love how brilliantly this fish appears while slimming or playing in a tank, as its fantastic colors are put on full display. The vertical black stripes along its side, pairs well with the unique white and orange patterns intermingled within its design. This is a truly opulent Royal Discus that onlookers will be amazed by.

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30 reviews for Royal Heckel Cross Discus

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    +1
    Donald R., Rochester Hills, MI (Verified Customer) February 1, 2024
    March 9, 2024

    Your Royal Heckel is adapting well. Just 2 1/2 hours in the tank.


     
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Katrina M., Harrodsburg, KY (Verified Customer) November 6, 2023
    November 14, 2023
    Nice fish
    Very pretty color and markings, nice size
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    +2
    Katrina M., Harrodsburg, KY (Verified Customer) November 6, 2023
    November 13, 2023
    The heckel fish seems to be improving, looking healthier, eating, more energetic so I'm hoping he'll pull through and mature nicely. The red ring leop...More

    The heckel fish seems to be improving, looking healthier, eating, more energetic so I'm hoping he'll pull through and mature nicely. The red ring leopard seems to be the one struggling the most, he's swimming sideways, very dark, looks like his skin is peeling, just overall sickly. But he's eating and the food is medicated. Here is a video I just took of him. The other two from that delivery look really nice, they are very beautiful fish and healthy.

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Chris G., Redlands, NY (Verified Customer) July 17, 2023
    July 23, 2023
    Unfortunately, the San Merah never got better. The other 13 are doing well and eating. I included a couple photos of my other tanks. 
    The bag for the...More

    Unfortunately, the San Merah never got better. The other 13 are doing well and eating. I included a couple photos of my other tanks. 


    The bag for the San Merah had lost volume, and when I opened it, the fish was extremely hypoxic trying to gasp air from the room air above the pail. I was a Cardiothoracic Surgeon for 40 years, so I’m familiar with hypoxia. Unfortunate. I would love to have him/her replaced and maybe get a few more fish, as well as those 3 plecos. The tank is 180 gallons. I now have 13 Discus, 6 dwarf gouramis and two small coconut plecos. All the smaller fish probably amount to 1 discus collectively. If I can have 1 fish per 10 gallons = 18 total. So probably 4 additional Discus. They are beautiful.

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Jill W., Santa Clarita, CA (Verified Customer) April 8, 2023
    April 16, 2023
    Hi Michael, I’ll definitely get you some better pictures when they are settled in. Got the Paraguard going. My one-eyed discus was reintroduced at the...More

    Hi Michael, I’ll definitely get you some better pictures when they are settled in. Got the Paraguard going. My one-eyed discus was reintroduced at the same time and is doing very well! Very happy about this. By chance I got a couple pictures of the new 4 hanging out together. My first shot at wild discus and they don’t disappoint.

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Dong C., Victorville, CA (Verified Customer) March 21, 2023
    March 26, 2023
    Hi Michael! I received Discus today all is okay no problem, but there are some discus on it body that have sores on it, I don’t know it is healthy? Fr...More

    Hi Michael! I received Discus today all is okay no problem, but there are some discus on it body that have sores on it, I don’t know it is healthy? From Michael: Normal wear and tear. Ammonia burns from shipping. Everything will heal within a week with some Paraguard.

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Evan K., Beaverton, OR (Verified Customer) February 14, 2023
    March 4, 2023
    Half of the fish that I ordered look absolutely nothing like what I bought. I don't think they're even the same breed. The "Penang Blue Knight" seems ...More

    Half of the fish that I ordered look absolutely nothing like what I bought. I don't think they're even the same breed. The "Penang Blue Knight" seems to be a Blue Tiger Turquoise. The "Red Tiger Carnation Turquoise Discus, White Base" is not even remotely white. The "Royal Heckel Cross" is either insanely pissed off and on the verge of death, or he's just warming up and needs some time to color up.  What can I do to get at least the "white" fish refunded? I am absolutely shocked at how blue he is. From Michael: This customer ordered 2.5" - 3.0" baby fish. The colors are actually looking great considering the fish just landed.

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Jamar H., Northport, AL (Verified Customer) December 2, 2022
    December 11, 2022
    Where should i post my review ? I need everyone to know how satisfied I am. All the fish were in great health when received! Very satisfied with my or...More

    Where should i post my review ? I need everyone to know how satisfied I am. All the fish were in great health when received! Very satisfied with my order ! Thank you. Only issue I've had is it looks like I received two orange discus and one was suppose to be a Fuji red and also my golden nugget pleco was a different color. Would definitely recommend you guys and I will be buying more schooling fish from you!

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    +1
    Jose P., Bronx, NY (Verified Customer) September 8, 2022
    September 18, 2022
    Hey Michael, not only did they arrived extremely healthy looking discus, no frayed fins active and upright, eating right away. The are truly beautiful...More
    Hey Michael, not only did they arrived extremely healthy looking discus, no frayed fins active and upright, eating right away. The are truly beautiful. You really  went out of your way to pick fish as close to what i asked for. They are truly beautiful. I was really  impressed with the packing, loved the rubber band closures , no leaking. Triple thick bags, WAO. think my wife , who unpacked and acclimated them (I was working). She saved all the packing materials, so I would see them. Great improvement over all. Even FedEx arrived early. Could not really say anything more positive. Yes. Box well labeled, sure helped a lot with handling. I was hesitant to order due to prior unpleasant experience(ups). Happy I order these 5, 5in discus. Fyi, this quarantine tank has a color enhancing light, but beautiful with no light at all. Michael did not pay pay me to say this.
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    +1
    Ron K., Los Angeles, CA (Verified Customer) August 23, 2022
    August 28, 2022
    Wrong order? From Michael: Are you suggesting I shipped you the wrong fish? If so, the answer is not at all. You've ordered baby 3.5" fish, the fish a...More

    Wrong order? From Michael: Are you suggesting I shipped you the wrong fish? If so, the answer is not at all. You've ordered baby 3.5" fish, the fish are stressed, and this is a cross strain, and there will be a greater degree of variability.

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Kevin B., Albuquerque, NM (Verified Customer) April 2, 2022
    April 18, 2022
    Fish look to be in good health despite the long flight. I will let these acclimate and will be looking to get more.
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Anh M., Baton Rouge, LA (Verified Customer) March 16, 2022
    April 3, 2022
    Thanks you Al fish okay but they not look like the picture I saw on the web. My fish don’t want to eat I try to let them eat normal food from Petco an...More

    Thanks you Al fish okay but they not look like the picture I saw on the web. My fish don’t want to eat I try to let them eat normal food from Petco and bloodworms. And they go up and down all the time everything that normal? Do I need turn off the light all the time? Thank you, Mike From Michael: You were shipped the correct fish. The discrepancy is due to stress, and the small size you ordered. Keep the temps high at 88-89F for the first few days to kill bacteria and whet their appetite. Please follow the acclimation instructions I emailed you.

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Huong N., Rock Hill, SC (Verified Customer) March 16, 2022
    March 27, 2022
    Yes, All 10 discus arrived safely, all alive, and all healthy!! Thanks for picking out these beauties for us, they’re all absolutely beautiful and exc...More

    Yes, All 10 discus arrived safely, all alive, and all healthy!! Thanks for picking out these beauties for us, they’re all absolutely beautiful and excellent quality!! You never disappoint!! We are loving & enjoying them all they’re so mesmerizing. We appreciate it, I’ll definitely recommend you to everyone!!

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    +2
    Dana L., Camano Island, WA (Verified Customer) November 17, 2021
    November 21, 2021
    Here are some photos of the fish and my tank, (nevermind all if the cords everywhere, that's next on the agenda) They are stunning 
    Thanks again, Dan...More

    Here are some photos of the fish and my tank, (nevermind all if the cords everywhere, that's next on the agenda) They are stunning 



    Thanks again, Dana

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    +3
    Kristin C., Belen, NM (Verified Customer) September 3, 2021
    September 12, 2021
    Hello Michael, all of my fish arrived alive and are doing great! What do you recommend feeding them? Question, what is your favorite discus fish? In y...More

    Hello Michael, all of my fish arrived alive and are doing great! What do you recommend feeding them? Question, what is your favorite discus fish? In your opinion out of all the fish I received from you what color am I missing? I want a beautiful colorful collection lol. Also since you did not have the blue discus please refund me so I can order one when you get them in stock. I truly appreciate everything. Kristin

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    +4
    Lauren W., Owenton, KY (Verified Customer) July 18, 2021
    August 23, 2021
    Royal baby (3.0-3.5")
    I recieved 10 discus altogether. They came on time, exactly when I requested, and packaged very well.

    This little guy is still young and doesn't yet...More
    I recieved 10 discus altogether. They came on time, exactly when I requested, and packaged very well.



    This little guy is still young and doesn't yet resemble the advertised pictures. It will once it gets older, but the Royal Heckel still is an exceptional fish as you can see. On a side note this one is really special and I named it Mavin. If you look closely at the right side there is a MAVIN spelled on its bottom fin. How cool is that? I really like this unique one! It just goes to show the variety of colors and patterns discus display. No single one is the same. So don't ever think Michael sends the wrong fish. He gets even large orders right!



    These are accurately sized fish to what I ordered. Quality discus is here at this site and great customer service as well. Don't ever doubt it. Being patient on your order will pay off, but don't be afraid to reach out to Michael on any concerns. His response is quick during business hours.



    The pictures depict one fish. I want to include good pictures for the review as most reviews show a bunch and it's a guessing game which one you're wanting to actually see. I hope you find this helpful!



    Thank you Michael!
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    John V., Houston, TX (Verified Customer) July 5, 2021
    July 27, 2021
    All (9) 5-5.5" Discus are doing great and have adapted very well in a very short amount of time. They were all eating within 2 days of being introduce...More
    All (9) 5-5.5" Discus are doing great and have adapted very well in a very short amount of time. They were all eating within 2 days of being introduced into their new home. Will be looking at adding additional ones to finish my stock.



    I would make the suggestion of sending the email regarding on how to acclimated the fish prior to the customer receiving them and not several days after they have already delivered. But other than that I have been very pleased with the quality of fish provided and service. Thank you!
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    +2
    Mike B., Kissimmee, FL (Verified Customer) January 27, 2021
    July 25, 2021
    One of the fish I purchased is NOT the fish I ordered. When it arrived its color was off so I thought it would get its color later or change with matu...More
    One of the fish I purchased is NOT the fish I ordered. When it arrived its color was off so I thought it would get its color later or change with maturity. It has not. And it’s a cheaper fish than the one I ordered. So not happy about that. What I’m asking is that you simply send the fish that are pictured when I’m making a purchase. Do I think you should send a replacement? Absolutely. I did not get the fish I purchased. Am I going to pay for you to ship replacements? No. I didn’t cause this problem. Are you going to pay the postage yourself? No and what am I to do with the fish that I didn’t order and really don’t want? I don’t see a solution, but all of this could have been avoided had I just got the fish I purchased. From Michael: There is a likelihood your fish were not perfectly matched since you ordered them in 3.0" baby size. I did the best job I could, but each fish will change as they grow. The best way to obtain exactly what you see in the photos is to order adult sized fish. Also, your tank would greatly benefit if you removed shadows and dark objects in order to showcase your fish's colors. Mike, your demands are excessive and unreasonable. Please take your business elsewhere in the future, thanks.
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    +2
    Reid W., Odessa, TX (Verified Customer) June 12, 2021
    June 20, 2021
    Did you ship me the incorrect discus? What do you think? Thanks, Reid W From Michael: No, I did not ship you incorrect discus. You ordered 3.5" fish, ...More
    Did you ship me the incorrect discus? What do you think? Thanks, Reid W From Michael: No, I did not ship you incorrect discus. You ordered 3.5" fish, and they appear to be very well-matched based on the photos you've provided. Thank you for sharing them with me. Congrats, and enjoy!
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    +1
    German C., Middle Village, NY (Verified Customer) May 9, 2021
    May 16, 2021

    Hi Michael, everything is going well. So far they're not eating. And they keep staying on a corner.

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    +3
    Alan M., Confluence, PA (Verified Customer) February 5, 2021
    May 9, 2021
    Hi Michael here are some photos of My discus tank. You take a look and tell me your opinion of what I might need. I know I'm missing yellow in there b...More

    Hi Michael here are some photos of My discus tank. You take a look and tell me your opinion of what I might need. I know I'm missing yellow in there but I've had two yellow fish and they get picked on till they no longer eat.

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Dan Z., GREENSBORO, NC (Verified Customer) April 23, 2021
    May 9, 2021

    Thank you! Appreciate the great customer service. I've also subscribed to the week course, great info!

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    +1
    Jeff C., Clinton, UT (Verified Customer) April 3, 2021
    May 3, 2021
    Michael, my fish arrived healthy and beautiful. I did have two of my bags that leaked and came close to running out of water but luckily they arrived ...More

    Michael, my fish arrived healthy and beautiful. I did have two of my bags that leaked and came close to running out of water but luckily they arrived fast enough that I was able to get them in the tank without injury.I am sending you pictures of my tank with the variety of fish you have Picked out for me I thank you for the beautiful fish you sent to my home. Thank you, Michael.

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    +2
    Mark L., Azusa, CA (Verified Customer) January 5, 2021
    April 12, 2021
    Thanks 4 the e-mail Michael! Fish are doing great!!! Thank 4 the sweet fish! I will be getting a few more fish in May.....the fish were packed great! ...More

    Thanks 4 the e-mail Michael! Fish are doing great!!! Thank 4 the sweet fish! I will be getting a few more fish in May.....the fish were packed great! But after they left you!.... they were not handled right.... they were beat up pretty badly! My order was to big and thats my bad :) If the carrier does not keep the box the right way the whole time the fish will get beat up and stress out and are in trouble! All fish survived and in the time since have only Lost 3 of them! Love your Web site i have to be on it everyday and see all the great selections You have! (I want all of them!!) Hahahaha thanks again 4 everything Michael!



    They eat all that You can put in front of them! The golden pigeon leopards are getting better looking everyday and are always moving around the tank and active! My favorite guys are the german red turquoise (red base) ... they have a great shape to them and the fins are always up and out on display!! And the royal heckel cross! Cant wait to see what he will be look like in a few months! Beautiful fish!! Thanks y'all! I appreciate ya.

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Michael G., Vancouver, WA (Verified Customer) January 9, 2021
    April 12, 2021
    The royal heckel is a great fish. She has been spawning eggs.


    I am currently looking for fish with red. I think i saw some that were like almost a m...More
    The royal heckel is a great fish. She has been spawning eggs.





    I am currently looking for fish with red. I think i saw some that were like almost a magenta color strips with white and any with solid red face included. And reddish brown m with the black vertical bars. I am not sure what these strain are called.
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Kurt H., Englewood, CO (Verified Customer) February 27, 2021
    March 22, 2021

    I have included a pic of the fish together.

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    +1
    Alan M., Confluence, PA (Verified Customer) February 5, 2021
    March 1, 2021

    The San Merah I looked at were solid red with a blue face.

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Leslie D., Winchester, VA (Verified Customer) January 15, 2021
    January 25, 2021

    Hi Michael


    Here is a new picture. We love our beautiful guy & thank you so very much! We will be back for more!! 

     

    Sincerely Leslie 
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    +1
    Dean D., Lincoln, NE., (Verified Customer) January 3, 2021
    January 10, 2021
    Here are a couple of pics 24 hrs after I put them in the tank
    I got the email regarding reviews today. I will be responding on how well you handled a difficult situation with FedEx and that you were very responsi...More

    I got the email regarding reviews today. I will be responding on how well you handled a difficult situation with FedEx and that you were very responsive. I'm impressed. I've had fish for nearly 50 years. Started when I was in college. Never had salt water though. I enjoy planted tanks. This setup is just beginning to grow. I've had Discus before and as you've probably heard before, I have had a love/hate relationship with them. Excited to get some quality fish in my tank again. Now I will sit back and enjoy them.

    Royal Heckel Cross Discus photo review
    Chriselle T., White Plains, NY (Verified Customer) November 7, 2020
    November 11, 2020
    They arrived safely.

    I’ll give you a call later. My goodness the heckel is gorgeous.


Add a review

Every fish we sell bears our gold seal that represents the Discus.com promise to our customers. When you make a purchase with us, you are entrusting our team with shipping you a collector grade specimen of unparalleled quality, beauty, size, and heft based on our judgement accrued over 25 years of experience. We guarantee the fish you receive will match the exact fish represented in our product photos. We are the gold standard of discus. Note: our discus are always measured from tip of nose to end of tail.

 

Category Rating
Care Level: Moderate, see our Learning Center for comprehensive care.
Temperament: Peaceful
Color Form: Huge variety available
Lifespan: 15-25 Years
Adult Size: 8-12 inches
Diet: Omnivorous
Family: Cichlidae
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Tank Set-Up: Bare-bottom, or Intermediate
Compatibility: Often compatible



Natural Habitat for Discus

Discus are found in floodplain lakes and flooded forests of the lowland Amazon River basin and some of its tributaries, including the Rio Negro.  These areas experience extreme changes in water level due to seasonal flooding.  Discus tend to congregate near fallen trees, known as “galhadas”, along the shore.  They prefer quiet water, and are rarely found in areas where there is strong current or wave action.

Discus Water Requirements

Discus prefer warm, soft, acidic water.  pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0, with hardness between 1° and 4° dKH (18 to 70 ppm).  Temperature should be kept between 82° and 89° F. Water conditions for both wild and hybrid discus are the same. While captive bred discus can be kept in dechlorinated tap water  reverse osmosis or deionized water supplemented will ensure the the best conditions. Discus require pristine water quality, and depending on the filtration system being used, a weekly or bi-weekly water change of 10% to 25% is highly recommended. Don’t forget to treat tap water with conditioner before refilling your aquarium!  

Housing Requirements for Discus

Discus grow to be quite large, and full sized discus will require an aquarium of 50 gallons or larger when they reach adult size.  Tall aquariums are best, to accommodate their body shape.  Current should be gentle, and décor if used at all should include large broadleaf plants and driftwood that is arranged vertically to simulate downed branches and trees.  A few floating plants can also be added to provide shaded areas and cover. Substrate should be fine to medium grade and smooth surfaced, as discus like to forage along the bottom for food.

Discus Behavior/Compatibility

Discus are generally calm, peaceful fish, but as cichlids they can be aggressive toward one another, especially when attempting to pair off and spawn.  Shy or submissive fish should be removed if they are unable to compete. Most serious hobbyists do not mix their discus with too many other species. However, suitable aquarium mates include cardinal tetras, neons, emperor and rummy nose tetras, as well as clown loaches and dwarf cichlids such as rams and Apistogramma species. All of these fish tolerate the high temperatures and low pH/hardness required by discus.  

What do Discus Eat?

In nature discus eat a considerable amount of plant material and detritus, but also forage along the bottom looking for worms and small crustaceans.  They are omnivores and will thrive on freeze dried black worms, beefheart, frozen blood worms, and a variety of pellet and flake food. Frozen and live foods may be fed as treats or to help induce spawning.  For best results, rotate their diet daily and feed only what they can consume in 2 to 3 minutes, once or twice a day.

Discus Breeding Level – Difficult

Captive bred discus will pair up and spawn relatively easily, but young, inexperienced parents may eat their eggs the first few times, particularly if other fish are present.  After hatching the young feed on heavy body mucus secreted by the parents for a few days until they begin to free-swim.  Parents will transfer the young back and forth several times a day.

Q: How are your stated fish measurements conducted?

A: All measurements are made from tip of nose to end of tail. Photographs are representative of the strain or variety, and not the exact specimens that will be shipped.

Q: How do I make a purchase?

A: Every discus you see on our website is available for immediate purchase and ready to be shipped to you. Click the “Add to Cart” button on your desired products, adjust your quantities, and follow the checkout instructions. We honor all special requests. Please allow a 2-day minimum handling period for discus.

Shipping Tiers for Live Tropical Fish: 

  • Discus/Altum orders over $600: choice of a free gift of a breeding cone or t-shirt. Use the promo code BONUS-CONE after adding your selection to your cart.

Blackworms: Free USPS Postal Shipping

Plants: $10 FedEx Priority Shipping, Minimum Order: $15

International Buyers Please Note: Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to purchasing.

 

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