Discus breeding Stendker GmbH & Co. KG

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Stendker is a German discus fish breeder that operated for over 55 years, known for breeding robust, long-lived discus fish that are adapted to German tap water. While the breeding operations were discontinued in late 2022, the Stendker family continues to produce and sell its specialized discus food and remains a prominent name in the aquarist community. The farm was founded by Heinz and Helga Stendker in 1965 and was known for its high-quality feed and fish that were more resilient in standard home aquariums compared to Asian-bred discus.

• Breeding: The farm was founded by Heinz and Helga Stendker and grew into one of the largest discus farms in Europe. The breeding program was officially discontinued in late 2022 due to economic challenges.
• Fish characteristics: Stendker discus are known for their robustness and long life expectancy, often reaching up to 15 years. They were bred in German tap water and are accustomed to higher germ pressure and less frequent water changes, making them easier to keep in many home aquariums compared to Asian discus bred in low-germ environments.
• Food and nutrition: A key focus for the Stendker family was the diet of the discus fish. They developed their own high-quality food, such as "Good Heart," to ensure the health and coloration of their fish, and this food continues to be produced and sold.
• Legacy: Although breeding has stopped, the Stendker brand continues through its food products, which are still available to hobbyists worldwide

Stendker Discus are a highly sought-after strain of discus fish, known for being robust, long-lived (up to 15 years), and bred to be easily kept in a home aquarium with German tap water. They are bred for their resilience, with a strong immune system due to being raised in tanks with filters and lower water changes, unlike many other strains. Stendker discus are also prized for their vibrant colors and social, outgoing personalities.

• Hardiness: Stendker discus are robust and resistant to diseases because they are raised with filters and a lower percentage of water changes, which contrasts with many other discus strains that require very high water change percentages.
• Tap water friendly: Unlike many discus fish that require purified water, Stendker discus are bred in German tap water and are accustomed to it, making them easier to care for in a home aquarium.
• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live up to 15 years.
• Personality: They are described as social, outgoing, and responsive to human interaction, often showing distinct personalities.
• Social behavior: They are social cichlids that thrive in groups of at least ten fish or in established pairs. Keeping them in smaller groups can lead to bullying, according to Shirley Aquatics.
• Diet: Stendker developed their own high-quality "all-in-one" food, which is specifically formulated to provide all necessary nutrients for their discus.

• Aquarium: They are comfortable in planted aquariums with sandy substrate and roots for hiding, similar to their natural habitat.
• Water changes: While resilient, a weekly water change of approximately 30% is recommended for a filter-equipped aquarium.
• Lighting: A light cycle of 12–14 hours per day is recommended to help them feel comfortable, with timers for routine.
• Feeding: Provide the Stendker discus their specialized food. Dosage varies by the number of fish, with this Amazon video offering a guide on how much to feed.

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