Help with Oscar

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d3adlydesignz

d3adlydesignz

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Nov 21, 2016
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A few weeks ago one of my friends purchased a "Albino Oscar". When I seen it I noticed that the fins had black on the tips and mentioned this to him. Since then the black has spread. This is the first time I've seen the oscar since 2 weeks ago. Please take a look at the photo and let me know what this could be. Thanks in advanced!

20161130_170946.jpg
 
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This is completely normal. True albinism in oscars is pretty rare. The vast majority of "albino" oscars in the pet trade are actually lutino oscars. Lutino oscars are the result of selective breeding to reduce black pigmentation, whereas albinos are the result of a mutation that prevents the fish from producing melanin (black pigment). Lutinos will usually have black fins, or at least the edges of their fins will be black, whereas a true albino will have no black on it whatsoever.
 
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It's also common for oscars to change colors as they grow, and also sometimes depending on their mood. When they're stressed, they'll often become very pale and their patterning may become very faint. They darken as they become more content/acclimated.
 
Pheww! Lol that is really good to hear. I told him that I would take the fish back since it has a 30 day warranty. And the warranty actually ends in a couple of days. But if all is well then he's a keeper.

And yes I have noticed the color changing from my oscar the short time I've had him.

Thanks for the help I really appreciate it.!
 
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d3adlydesignz said:
Yeah this Oscar started off looking albino. But I'm slowing seeing tiger marking halfway up his body.
Click to expand...
Even a true albino will still have the red markings, if that's what you mean. Albinism only affects the black coloration. A specimen that's missing both the black and the red markings would be called leucistic.
 
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