Sounds like a Xmas tree. You didn't reply to the point yet, but I'd bet your old tank substrate and esp. lighting are different than your current one.
MY IRIDESCENT SHARK HAS CHANGED COLORS PLEASE HELP!!
- Thread starter Joepardo13
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Sounds like a Xmas tree. You didn't reply to the point yet, but I'd bet your old tank substrate and esp. lighting are different than your current one.
As in another thread, about a Pictus cat, any fish will instinctively try to mimic the substrate.
It doesn't look like the Swai's instinct kicked in, whether of not is is long lasting may be the question.
It doesn't look like the Swai's instinct kicked in, whether of not is is long lasting may be the question.
So he was darker colored when he had a black colored substrate, and he's now a lighter color(s) with his new white substrate...Hmm, I'm no Sherlock Holmes but I'm thinking there could be a link here
I'd also guess he'll eventually settle into one lighter color*, give him some time.*For now -- unless he's an albino, which he isn't, he'll eventually get darker and darker esp. on top as he gets bigger.
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Spell check made my does, into doesn't above.
Here is an example of matching substrate
1st normal male haitiensus color, lots of dark wood and rock, over normal substrate.
to keep him from harassing the female, I moved him to a tank with light colored substrate.
Result below
Here is an example of matching substrate
1st normal male haitiensus color, lots of dark wood and rock, over normal substrate.
to keep him from harassing the female, I moved him to a tank with light colored substrate.
Result below
Is your fish acting normal otherwise? If so, probably nothing to worry about. I've never kept an iridescent shark, but I've got a couple of cichlids that change color depending on the substrate in their tank. My Cyrtocara moorii is really dark blue when he's in a tank with black sand, and very light blue in a bare bottom tank.
- Dec 2, 2018
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Polys do this too (over long periods of time). If you leave LJs on red sand they tend to develop good colors.
Agree with Duanes. Also, more in the sister thread on pictus: https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/pictus-catfish-changed-color-please-help.715101/
BTW, adapting to the unnatural environment color is also a kind of stress response. Long term, it can take its toll in the fish health, just like any form of a long-term low-stress situation, which eventually leads to illnesses and/or premature death.
BTW, adapting to the unnatural environment color is also a kind of stress response. Long term, it can take its toll in the fish health, just like any form of a long-term low-stress situation, which eventually leads to illnesses and/or premature death.
