darker color

[jredner]

I've noticed that if the lights are out and nobody is around the tank for a while, my piranhas turn darker in color. What causes this and what does it mean?

 

[Curly68]

Nothing to worry about. I think it has something to do with the lights. If they're mature (1yr+) then they may be pairing off and when they get ready to breed the go darker. Saying that Reds tend to get darker when stressed as well!

 

[gasman]

also i find they tend to blend in to their surroundings

dark gravel they go dark,light gravel they go lighter,same with the lights ,darker when light off so they can be more camoflagued, then when the lights are on their surrounding is brighter and more colorful so they go lighter.

not sure if thats right but it seems that way with the ones i have.


gasman

 

[jredner]

well they are only about an inch right now... don't think they're mature yet. thank you for the info.

 

[demjor19]

most fish will do this.

 

[StIcKy~RiCe]

it's totally normal for piranha to change color. they do very often.

 

[jredner]

so pretty much, they are just trying to blend in. They don't seem to act any different when the lights are off or on or if i'm around the tank so I don't really think that they are stressed out. thanks everybody.

 

[master.k.]

Mine did not darken up till about 4 inch , At 8 inch my two reds are
I would say VERY VERY Dark . No Red belly's on my red's just (DARK)
Mine also have lots of gold glittery in there scales .