Hi there, I'm seriously wondering if there is any scientific back up/scientific information sources that state whether or not the lightness, darkness or the colour of the substrate (besides neon, fluoro gravel) has an impact on the fishes behaviour and stress levels or whether it is all just folklore and speculation, because it just doesn't ring well with me because not every fishes habitat in the wild has a dark substrate (so I think). So one would imagine that they would feel totally comfortable having a substrate looking more natural in terms of the fishes evolution because that is what they are used to. I would I also love to read opinions and experiences from experienced fish keepers as well, so please feel free to say what you think...
The darker the substrate the calmer the fish... Myth? Or Truth?
- Thread starter Platyfish_14
- Start date
I think it's more of a thing of fish feeling more secure in a darker environment and they are less likely to be seen. I use dark substrate for colour mainly
I think adequate cover and not excessive lighting are much bigger factors .. it's harder to see a fish from above with a varied substrate .. not that many fresh water fish rely on camouflage
Most freshwater fish are preyed upon from above, by birds etc, so the blue sparkles reflect suns rays, and a light upper body provide camouflage.
In the pic below there a number of Herichthys carpintus, hovering over a sand substrate.
They blend in well, are very hardto see, but there're at least 3..
But to breed, they need to be easily seen from the side by potential mates.
Dark fish prefer dark substrate to blend in, lighter more brightly iridescent colored species may prefer a lighter or varied substrate. Below a cenote in Mexico containing cichlids, live bearers a tetras
below an underwater shot of the substrate of a river of the Magdalena system in Colombia
In the pic below there a number of Herichthys carpintus, hovering over a sand substrate.
They blend in well, are very hardto see, but there're at least 3..
But to breed, they need to be easily seen from the side by potential mates.
Dark fish prefer dark substrate to blend in, lighter more brightly iridescent colored species may prefer a lighter or varied substrate. Below a cenote in Mexico containing cichlids, live bearers a tetras
below an underwater shot of the substrate of a river of the Magdalena system in Colombia
Many fish can also automatically change color to natch their surroundings.
In the video below taken in Eden Cenote in Mexico, watch the mollies changes as they move from shadows to light.
Eden2
In the video below taken in Eden Cenote in Mexico, watch the mollies changes as they move from shadows to light.
Eden2
Sorry if this is the
Thanks to all that have replied, yous all have been a good help, and duanes for giving me more insight into this, you all make a lot of sense. The video and pictures are great as well.