Sorry, hope this is not viewed as threadjack.How long does each phase last or rather at what ages do they cycle thru the phases. Amazing fish...kinda jealous
There is not set time that they go through the different phases. Phase independent from age and size. My last full gold phase 3 was 15" but still has a greyish belly. My current phase 3 is only 11" but the belly is already full yellow. What's great about them is that once they move into the next phase, they stay there. Unlike gold xantos that turns from yellow/creamish to grey, depending on their mood.
Most phase 1s will turn to phase 2. Most (including myself) believe that not all will turn into full gold phase 3. I guess Recumbent would like that, since phase 1 is more attractive in his eyes.
This is phase 3 @ 15"
This is phase 3 @ 11" As you can see, it's already at a better quality than the other one at 15". I've followed a friend's Luteus before getting mine, and his phase 2 did not improve at all after 3 years.
