Red/Midevil coloration.

[o5b0rn3b]

First and foremost. I'm was lead to believe about 10% of red devils will "molt" and completely change color. The other 90% look very similar at 2" as they would at 10". Now I can't remember where I heard this or if this is even correct. So it's fair to assume I know nothing about this.

Now I bought a red devil/midevil whatever at 2" about 2 weeks ago. Completely orange besides a couple small grey spots on one side. Assuming most likely he would look like that full grown.

Fast forward to now, in two days the lips of his bottom jaw has turned black. I'm assuming now it's patterns are going to keep changing. Cause I understand it's way to young to molt.

I'd just like some more information on this. I know this may be the longest, most stupid thread you've read in a while. I feel pretty dumb asking lol.

Sorry for the poor quality pic, he's one active mfer.

 

[Ihsnshaik]

Morphing is normal. I breed these or I used to at least more than 30 batches of these guys so I know a thing or two. They will all morph never had one that never morphed. They continue to morph throughout adult hood at times. My 8" midevil was dark orange and then got very pale and now is showing tons of white on him. I know the lineage since I bred my fish they mother was a F1 creamsickle RD and father was F1 Midas. Hes starting to look like a creamsickle.

There is nothing wrong thats normal.
Its either going to be yellow/ orange/ white/ or a mixture. Some will have black spots all over even until 6" or more.

 

[o5b0rn3b]

So he will slowly morph like that through his entire life? Than what would be considered a "molt"? How does anyone ever get a pattern they like??lol

 

[rdKirby]

Here's my midevil at 1.5"
And him again at 12"

He hasn't really changed too much, he kind of lightened up after 2 years but has still kept his creamcicle look to him. Many others can go from one side of the spectrum to the other, but it's pretty cool to see how they change. Just feed him a good varied diet and keep up with water changes and that will help maximize his final coloration.

 

[FastFisher5]

Here's my midevil at 1.5"View attachment 1172237
And him again at 12"
View attachment 1172238
He hasn't really changed too much, he kind of lightened up after 2 years but has still kept his creamcicle look to him. Many others can go from one side of the spectrum to the other, but it's pretty cool to see how they change. Just feed him a good varied diet and keep up with water changes and that will help maximize his final coloration.

He went from a cute little fishy to a tank with fins lol. Love that bruiser!

 

[FastFisher5]

This one is a beast from a local Cabela's aquarium. He's more yellowish in person than the average RD. Housed in a huge aquarium with a Red Tail Catfish, Tiger Shovelnose Catfish, Common Pleco, and some Pacu.