“Cabuya” Convicts

[MattyV55]

I got these “Cabuya Convicts” from Jeff Rapps just over a year ago. I was expecting them to look a lot different than they do. His picture compared to what they are just seems very different. I am wondering if anyone knows if they will turn more later in life?

 

[Niki_up]

Have you tried them on a darker substrate? Yours looks quite washed out from possible trying to blend in with your light sand.

 

[MattyV55]

I have not

 

[twentyleagues]

Have you tried them on a darker substrate? Yours looks quite washed out from possible trying to blend in with your light sand.

That would be my guess as well.

 

[MattyV55]

You think a substrate would change their colors from white and blue to black and gold? I know substrate can darken and lighten fish but I didn’t know it would entirely change their color

 

[twentyleagues]

You think a substrate would change their colors from white and blue to black and gold? I know substrate can darken and lighten fish but I didn’t know it would entirely change their color

They may feel "safer" and exhibit a more natural color.

 

[duanes]

Agree with the others, your substrate is so bright it would wash the colors out on most any cichlid, they react to the colors around them, as a defense mechanism against avian attack, which are cichlids most common danger.
You can just see the carpintus in the photo below. from above almost invisible, but from the side....


If you want your cichlids to color up, might want to gradually add some natural colored sand on top, of the white instead of taking it out.
I know many people put a lot of emphasis on having, bright, or black substrate, but to me (unless going for a zen stone garden effect), tanks are not about the color of substrate, but are about the fish,(or my case plants) so providing something natural, and unobtrusive is the focus of the game.

 

[MattyV55]

Thanks duanes . I just used pool filter sand. The only one available in my area. Is there anything darker I could add on top? All of my tanks have the same substrate and I don’t think it’s washed any of them out.

 

[duanes]

I use PFS too, but a more natural color, there are different colors depending on where it is mined.

 

[MattyV55]

Thank you I will definitely look for some.