Why are many big cichlids colorful vs Coldwater native fish?

[philipraposo1982]

I snorkle many Ontario lakes to observe fish in their natural habitats. I do this for fun as part of my hobbies.

I just got wondering why many of the big predator fish I see are all pretty bland when it comes to color. Yet many CA and SA predator fish are very colorful.

Any thoughts or ideas? I know there are some stunning smaller fish like the rainbow darter will loads of color.

 

[MrsE88]

My thoughts... being in a big open space hunting would be a lot harder if you stand out. Hence big open water predators being neutral colors.

 

[TwoHedWlf]

I snorkle many Ontario lakes to observe fish in their natural habitats. I do this for fun as part of my hobbies.

I just got wondering why many of the big predator fish I see are all pretty bland when it comes to color. Yet many CA and SA predator fish are very colorful.

Any thoughts or ideas? I know there are some stunning smaller fish like the rainbow darter will loads of color.

In addition to other factors there's a bit of a selection bias going on. You're possibly comparing wild fish to fish picked from a huge selection and kept mostly because they're brightly colored. AND many are bred from bland fish to be colorful or to be even more bright and colorful. It's kinda like wondering why there are so many fast cars at a racetrack compared to a Walmart parking lot.

 

[Deadliestviper7]

In addition to other factors there's a bit of a selection bias going on. You're possibly comparing wild fish to fish picked from a huge selection and kept mostly because they're brightly colored. AND many are bred from bland fish to be colorful or to be even more bright and colorful. It's kinda like wondering why there are so many fast cars at a racetrack compared to a Walmart parking lot.

Exactly, fish are often colored to blend with their enviorment, so the same fish species can be nearly black in one body of water, cream colored in another,and red and black color in a third river.

A friend of mine tells me there's a lake he fishes at where all the fish, such as walleye and bluegill,are blue.

 

[RD.]

......... also, many of the more colorful predatory cichlids, are only bright & colorful when spawning. (when they are spending less time & energy on hunting/feeding)

 

[duanes]

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