Fahaka stressed or just pattern?

[quasar]

Hey everyone! So I changed the substrate for my puffers setup a few months ago in the 125. Went from river rocks to white aquaquartz pool sand. So I know the fahaka likes to blend in with it's surroundings, which would explain the pale contrast from the old rocks.




My question is regarding the "stress brow". It seems like the puffer always seems to has it visible. It is possible for the line between the eyes to be part of the natural pattern or is it possible that my fish is in a constant state of stress for months? The other mollys in the tank seem fine, I do WCs every week to two weeks (30%-80% depends the time), and for filtration I'm running 2 aquaclear 110 and an FX6.




Thanks!

 

[tlindsey]

Hey everyone! So I changed the substrate for my puffers setup a few months ago in the 125. Went from river rocks to white aquaquartz pool sand. So I know the fahaka likes to blend in with it's surroundings, which would explain the pale contrast from the old rocks.

View attachment 1513325
View attachment 1513326

My question is regarding the "stress brow". It seems like the puffer always seems to has it visible. It is possible for the line between the eyes to be part of the natural pattern or is it possible that my fish is in a constant state of stress for months? The other mollys in the tank seem fine, I do WCs every week to two weeks (30%-80% depends the time), and for filtration I'm running 2 aquaclear 110 and an FX6.

View attachment 1513327
View attachment 1513328

Thanks!

If the Fahaka is eating and behavior is normal it's not stress but blending in with the new lighter sand substrate.

 

[quasar]

If the Fahaka is eating and behavior is normal it's not stress but blending in with the new lighter sand substrate.

Definitely eating. If you look in some of the pics you can see the carnage of shells he left behind.

I made friends with a snail breeder and he sells me his "rejects" in bulk. Mainly ramshorns, apple and mystery snails.

Thanks!

 

[Fat Homer]

My fahaka when i had her did the same thing from very pronounced stripes to more washed out colours when being moved to a lighter substrate…

then when she was stressed or upset with something badly, she would show really dark stripes across her body…normally was after water changes if water was a bit on the cooler side

 

[AudioPsycho]

If you're fahaka is still eating and acting normal, then things are ok. My 12cm Fahaka changes his colors due to lighting and how "full" her stomach is
Don't worry too much.