Why did my red head geo lose his red head?

[Matt S]

My redhead geo was stunning then all of a sudden he seems like he is losing color it seems since I add more fish to the tank he lost it there are no fights or even aggression and he still eat like a champ I feel it's just do to more tank mates and that he isn't the most dominant fish anymore just want to make sure and I just tested all my water parameters and they are good so just wondering here's what he looked like before

Him and his girl

FTS at end of water change



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[Michael6945c]

Don't know anything really about these guys, but I figure since no one is posting I'll toss in my opinion. Pretty much what you said is my reasoning. Dominant and breeding fish have much more intense coloration, and when other fish are added and when a fish loses dominance the colors will definitely fade a bit.


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[petspoiler]

My redheads' color corresponds to how sexy they are feeling. very red right before spawning, and the others are less. When spawning is not imminent with a pair, the whole group is redder.
This may be more evident according to less available space. mine only have 75G per 7, plus 2 heckelii.
Additionally, my ph is at 7.8 from the tap & hard. I don't do anything to lower that, & suspect it affects their appearance somewhat, even though one pair spawns at least every 2 weeks.
I'm no expert, BTW... just compare things with ppl who have water which is closer to the "ideal" for species.

 

[Matt S]

When I added my 12.5 inch pair that's when it start he was the dominant. Fish before the big pair was put in so I'm guessing even though there are never fights he sees the bigger fish which caused him to loses his color oh well he's healthy and happy still so I'm not worried about it just wondered why he lost it


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[Aquanero]

When I added my 12.5 inch pair that's when it start he was the dominant. Fish before the big pair was put in so I'm guessing even though there are never fights he sees the bigger fish which caused him to loses his color oh well he's healthy and happy still so I'm not worried about it just wondered why he lost it


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A 12.5" pair of what?

Mine go through phases where they are more or less colorful. Breeding dress is very vivid after breeding the dull down. Dominant males show more color also. You probibly just stressed them out. As long as they are not in any danger they will settle in once the pecking order is re-established unless they remain stressed which is not a good situation.

 

[Matt S]

A 12.5" pair of what?

Mine go through phases where they are more or less colorful. Breeding dress is very vivid after breeding the dull down. Dominant males show more color also. You probibly just stressed them out. As long as they are not in any danger they will settle in once the pecking order is re-established unless they remain stressed which is not a good situation.

12.5 pair of geophagus dicrozoster


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[Matt S]

Heres a pic of the male from the pair but they are very gentle and there is not one fight or even any aggression


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