why has my gar changed color?

[chefrific]

Recently I changed the substrate in my fla/spotted gar's tank from a black gravel to sand. After that happened my gar faded/changed color and is almost white now. Granted it is still behaving normal, eating like a champ, etc. I've tested all of my levels and everything is still the same as before. I've attached some pics to show what has happened. Notice the pics of the gar with the black gravel, the gar is dark, the pics with the new sand, the gar is almost white. What is going on?

 

[Columbian Shark Catfish]

I personally like his color either way :O
It is a very beautiful gar!

Probably he's still getting used to it

 

[D-WALT]

WOAH.. thats crazy its looks cool but i dont know why that would happen i hope someone is able to help! i know ive been fishing before in this tiny little pond that was just built and he had just stocked it with bass, crappie, brim and cats.. but they looked normal going in and when we went fishing about a week later they were all white like that. im sure this has happened to other people too so hopefully there will be someone come along with this knowledge!

 

[flagtail]

You changed the substrate......he's just blending in....

 

[jonahonah]

The sudden change in background colour has stressed him into camoflaging himself, as hes unsure whether he may be under threat. I cant guarantee it but when he is sure he isnt going to be 'eaten' he will gradually calm down and accept the new change and go back to original colouration. The term for this would be adaptive camoflage, part of the fight or flight response, hes trying to blend in so he doesnt have to expend energy escaping from his perceived threat.

 

[chefjamesscott]

nice gar interesting to see the color change

 

[nelsonx22]

hey where did u get the sand from???? and what kind of sand is that?

 

[chefrific]

hey where did u get the sand from???? and what kind of sand is that?

Pool filter sand, from pool supply store. Around $7.00 per 50 pounds.

 

[xander]

Pool filter sand, from pool supply store. Around $7.00 per 50 pounds.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137297&highlight=pebbles

gars adjust their pattern contrast to camoflage with their surroundings