RBP coloring variation questions....

[mhansen76]

Hi Piranha Gurus:

Couple questions and/or observances...

I started with 1 rpb 8'', the added 5 4'', just recently I added 3 6''. The new 6'' are very healthy but had to color when I purchased them, almost a silvery, blue, purple and dark. My 8'' and the 5 4'' were previously very brightly orangy, red where they should be. Now the 3 additions are starting to show tinges of orange....they are very active and curious, no signs of ick.

Is this normal, are the new arrivals just malnourished? I've heard and read some articles about piranha babies integrating themselves in to prey schools.....by color for camoflage and safety.

Tank size: 185 gallon
1 ugf;2 Aqua C medium(don't know the filtration) were given to me...
4 powerheads.
planted 40%

Any info would be appreciated.

Missy

 

[tikoisdabest]

Hi Piranha Gurus:

Couple questions and/or observances...

I started with 1 rpb 8'', the added 5 4'', just recently I added 3 6''. The new 6'' are very healthy but had to color when I purchased them, almost a silvery, blue, purple and dark. My 8'' and the 5 4'' were previously very brightly orangy, red where they should be. Now the 3 additions are starting to show tinges of orange....they are very active and curious, no signs of ick.

Is this normal, are the new arrivals just malnourished? I've heard and read some articles about piranha babies integrating themselves in to prey schools.....by color for camoflage and safety.

Tank size: 185 gallon
1 ugf;2 Aqua C medium(don't know the filtration) were given to me...
4 powerheads.
planted 40%

Any info would be appreciated.

Missy

Any Pics ? It would be easier for us, btw try to keep them all around the same size or there might be cannabalism

 

[ballinouttacntrol]

your substrate and background most likely is causing this. I have black substrate and a black background and my year old piranhas look darker then pics of most similiar size Ps i see on here since most people do lighter backgrounds then my black.

 

[BRUNER247]

5-8" isn't bad for mixing in a 185gal IMO. Color can be a few things- mood, settled in their new home yet,background, sub, genetics, n diet. Feed a variety of good food n they be fine

 

[BRUNER247]

I like the dark color they turn to with black gravel n background plus your fish will be way calmer n the best reason IMO no food or crap with get missed when looking in the tank, fish find their food much easier also.

 

[DaxD]

I have 6 red belly piranha and 5 have the silver and red bellies. The other one of the six is dark and does not have much orange on it's belly. The 6th one is also larger than the rest of them. Very interesting about the backgrounds and gravel color. Red belly piranha's are great fish and I also have a black piranha that is a great fish also.