I have had my 2 goldfish now for about 18 months, both are in the the same tank and both seem healthy. One of them however has completely lost all of its golden colour and is now silver. Why is this?
2006-09-05 05:36:20 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
This fish is most certainly not getting old. Goldfish live 20+ years when well cared for.
There are many things that can change its colour:
- Growth - they will change colour and patteren as they grow, which is natural.
- Heat - in the heat their colour cells shrink, when its cold they expand, which is why goldfish look their best and brightest in cold water :)
- Food - as they grow nutrition will effect how their colour developes
- Ph - When my fish went silver it was the result of acid burn, caused by a very low Ph. You will want your Ph between 7.0 and 7.5 for best health and colour.
2006-09-05 05:56:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some of my fish have changed colour completely. I found this site: http://www.mindspring.com/~koi1/pg7b.htm that may answer your questions.
There are several reasons that goldfish and koi change color. Genetics, diet, pH, water temperature, mineral content of the water, and some things we probably aren't aware of. It isn't uncommon for goldfish to become completely white. It has been my experience that goldfish and koi colors are most vibrant in early spring while the water is still cool/cold. One variety of koi, the Kumonryu (Dragon Fish), will change from black with white markings to completely white depending on the season or water temperature. Some hobbyist feed their fish color enhancing food to help them maintain their bright colors. I believe this is an important factor if the fish is to be in a show.
2006-09-05 12:41:59 · answer #2 · answered by Zsoka 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. When a goldfish is getting on in life they sometimes loose their colour.
Two goldfish in a tank. One says to the other, any ideas how to drive this thing.
Goldfish joke.
2006-09-05 12:50:19 · answer #3 · answered by Northernbloke 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is just something that goldfish do on occasion. Many goldfish will change their color patterns, too. Some black ones have even turned white.
Babies are black when they are young and turn gold as they age. The dark color is a camoflage so they can hide from predators in the wild easier.
2006-09-05 12:41:01 · answer #4 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As they mature, they can change color. I had 2 silver goldfish and they both turned orange, LOL. Wanna trade?
=)
2006-09-05 15:07:44 · answer #5 · answered by Carpet Shark Luver 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow that's young.
My Goldfish never lost it's color until 4 years, and it died after 6 years.
2006-09-05 12:41:25 · answer #6 · answered by Winter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two goldfish and a lion head and all of them have turned silver.
2006-09-05 12:41:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apparently it is because they change colour because they are getting old - honest! Also they can change colour because of the lack of nutrients in the water- so if you are filling up your tank with tap water beware!
2006-09-05 16:56:10 · answer #8 · answered by Angie M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is natural for a goldfish to change colors.I have had white ones turn orange and so on.Don't worry about it.
2006-09-05 15:26:27 · answer #9 · answered by John G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Goldfish / carp change colour as they grow and even your gold coloured one may develop black makings etc as it grows.
2006-09-05 12:41:12 · answer #10 · answered by Todd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋