Oscars loosing color

[Deaths Sting]

I found a gentlemen to buy an Oscar from, this particular Oscar is beautiful, based on a video of it a few weeks ago. however, as of late this gentlemen has informed me that all three of the 4'' Oscars including the one i like have lost pretty much all their color. he states that this is normal... i don't want to jump to conclusions.. but this guy is keeping them in a 33 gallon...and does not have plans on upgrading...

 

[bob965]

Their colors change a lot as they grow. The reds/oranges can become more subdued, and the blacks can gradually change into more of a gray or olive green color. Losing "all their color" is definitely not the norm. I would bet that it's probably a combination of them growing into their adult colors, and being bummed out from being crowded. His color will probably improve if you give him a more comfortable home.

 

[CODzilla]

Oscars never keep their juvie colours/patterns and I found mine would go from vibrant colour to pale within seconds depending on what was going on around them when they were smaller.

4 O's in a 33 is a recipe for disaster though.

 

[billyismybigfish]

My O (Billy), did the same thing for a while, the color came back. i learned that lighting had a factor on this issue.

 

[alexx-w]

my oscar change a lot, they go pale when someone they dont know walks into the room besides me

 

[ravio11i]

Yup unfortunately you can never tell what they'll look like as adults, they change a lot.