May 22, 2025
Uncharismatic Fact of the Day
Though most fish aren't noted for their parental abilities, discus fish should certainly be in the running for parent of the year. Both males and females secrete an orange mucus from their skin which is rich in proteins, nutrients, and antibodies- not unlike the milk secreted by mammals! Young discus fish feed off this mucus for about three weeks after hatching, at which time they're weaned and expected to find their own food.
(Image: A blue discus fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) by Patrick Farrelly)
