Dovii Washed out

[Alganator]

Why does this Dovii look like this. Other times it’s darker

 

[aroijuana]

Did you just cut the lights on?..

 

[duanes]

Looks like a very bright room, will lit, light color walls. Its hard to tell from the pic if there is any cover in the tank (like dark rocks, or sunken wood) or even if there is substrate in the tank. All these factors will influence a to dovii show true colors, or wash out
Most cichlids (in the same manner as a chameleon does) instinctually mimic the colors the surrounding area to blend in,. otherwise they stand out like sore thumbs to predators like birds.
I usually put a black background on my tanks, use natural color substrate (tan or brown sand) and sink logs , and add rocks.
Any cichlid will feel more comfortable in this more natural habitat, and show normal colors because of it.

 

[Alganator]

Thanks guys I appreciate that. There’s no background yet, just the wall and light substrate. I do have driftwood and rocks so it does usually look a lot better. But it’s up and down I guess. I’m hoping to be able to tell sex of the Dovii soon but it doesn’t help when it looks like this

 

[Rass]

Black background and dark substrate makes them look awesome! I use that on every tank, and the substrate only goes light for white fish like my haitis and cubans, that I want to show lighter tones.