Everyone knows what an algae eater looks like right? Their usually black fish that stick on the side of your fish tank and the "suck" the algae off. Well mine is about 2 inches long and everynight for the past couple of nights he's been turning a very light, almost white color. Is this normal and does anyone know why this is happening?
2006-07-31 03:54:49 · 5 answers · asked by Allison B 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
There are chinese algae eaters, siamese algae eaters and many kinds of plecos. Common plecos are brown, usually, unless they are albinos. When you say it is black, I assume you mean it has a black stripe. It is probably a chinese.
Normally a fish's color does not fade unless he is stressed out by something. Sometimes another fish is harassing him. Most probably it is the water quality. Start changing about 25% of the water every week and you should see an improvement in all your fish. They will color up, perk up and swim around more.
Normally when it is dark fish tend to get darker. Their natural colors are more pronounced. People who set up show tanks usually use dark gravel and have plenty of hiding places so fish feel comfortable and show off their natural colors. If yours are light, it may be that they don't have enough places to hide when they feel threatened. More plants or some small clay pots laying on their sides might help.
2006-07-31 04:19:29 · answer #1 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Algae Colors
2016-10-29 05:42:43 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some do that. I know my fish tend to pale out when they're sleeping. This might also indicate a problem with the pH levels in your tank, however, and you should check and make sure it's alright for your pleco. Do some searches online for plecostamus care and see what you pull up. Mine turns splotchy brown when he's restin', from full brown with black spots.
2006-07-31 03:59:00 · answer #3 · answered by gilgamesh 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fading to white can be a sign of low ph, high ammonia or most often it is both.
Test your water immediately. If you do not have tests, take half a cup of water to your local petstore and ask them to test it for you.
While plecos will change thier color periodically, they should not be turning whitish or greyish, that is usually due to stress.
2006-07-31 04:05:09 · answer #4 · answered by urbanbulldogge 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fish become pale when they are stressed. Normally by poor water conditions. Do a 25% water change. Are you feeding wafers? Maybe he is not getting enough to eat.
2006-07-31 09:44:36 · answer #5 · answered by Lynn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋