Firemouth Color

[Sean M]

Hey all,

First post here so hopefully this is posted in the right section ?

I am just curious if this “greenish” color is normal for Firemouth’s? The substrate is a lighter grey/white with lots of driftwood. I have had this group of 5 Meeki for around 8 months now and the way we’re always a lighter grey. Everyone eats as they should. I feed all of them a variety of foods. Water parameters never really change. PH 7.6, 0 Ammonia, 0 Nitrites, sometimes Nitrates exceed 20ppm if I let my weekly water change go a little further than normal.

 

[Toiletcar]

Don’t know if something is wrong. They look healthy. I have seen them more blue or yellow as young fish. They turn more grey w/ age.

 

[Sean M]

Don’t know if something is wrong. They look healthy. I have seen them more blue or yellow as young fish. They turn more grey w/ age.

I was thinking the same. They were pretty light up until maybe 2-3 months ago. I think I may try and go back to the light I used before and see if that makes any difference. The light I have on it now is pretty bright and the one previously was more of a warmer color.

 

[Toiletcar]

I was thinking the same. They were pretty light up until maybe 2-3 months ago. I think I may try and go back to the light I used before and see if that makes any difference. The light I have on it now is pretty bright and the one previously was more of a warmer color.

Yup that definitely could be it too ?

 

[Toms45hd]

There most colorful when they spawn.

 

[Sean M]

There most colorful when they spawn.

Yes that part I know forsure. It just seems like an odd color to me is all.

 

[A201]

It's been years since I've kept Firemouths, but I remember a few of them had unusual coloration. I found a couple of old pics. One FM of unusual color, the other w/ standard
coloration.

 

[Sean M]

It's been years since I've kept Firemouths, but I remember a few of them had unusual coloration. I found a couple of old pics. One FM of unusual color, the other w/ standard
coloration.
View attachment 1504544View attachment 1504545

Those are some good looking Firemouths!
I’m starting to think it may be the light I am using.. I think I’ll put the old one back on and see what happens. This is one of them without tank light on. Normal gray coloring.

 

[Toiletcar]

There most colorful when they spawn.

Yup, they get very red. My pair spawned consistently all spring and summer. The aggression wasn’t bad either.

 

[newworld]

Like alot of fish the colors can be quite variable for example I’ve caught a ton of them, not only in the same area but literally the same net there were brightly colored individuals and also very dull ones…