My bass is changing color, is this bad?

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R

R32flow

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Nov 1, 2011
75
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0
Richmond, VA
One of my bass's stipes are fading. Ive only had them for 2 weeks almost. They both looked great earlier today, I came back from school (only gone for an hour and a half) and the smaller bass has faded. The stripes look a little blotchy instead of solid.

I tested the water, and noticed a spike in nitrites, 2.0ppm. I just did a water change last night, tested before and water was perfect and now today is high in nitrite.:irked:

This bass is skinny, has been eating well but not gaining as much wieght as the other. Could be other problems.

Any advice would be great.

Heres some pics, also if anymore can ID thatd be great. Sorry for crappy cell pics.

Rob

peacockbass.jpg

2011-11-28_15-49-37_585.jpg
 
Can u elaborate on that? So does it mean when they r happy they get darker and when they r sad it fades?
 
Nice fish! You'll notice as you keep cichla that their colors and patterns will change, sometimes quickly. Color does change with mood, especially around the black. Females and males can change pattern and colors differently, so just because one is changing color doesn't mean something is wrong. Keep the water parameters as squeaky clean as possible and then you can rule it out as a potential stressing factor. Also, in my experience, water temps were really important when raising young cichla. Swings in water temp can affect fish differently, even within a species. My kelberi actually looked like faded crap until they were about 3-4" long, and then suddenly became beautiful. If they're eating and swimming and the water parameters are good I wouldn't worry about it too much.
 
Thanks guys, Appretiate it. Just added some crypt plants in the corners they seem to love it.

I dont know why I had the spike in nitrites, its pissing me off. But maybe the plants will balance some of that out.
 
I wouldnt worry too much. Are they alone in the tank? you should consider adding some dither fish so they are not as stressed.
 
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