my african chichilds with zebra motif change color ?

Question

i notice that this fish is kinda change color to yelow.... when i got him from the pet store few months ago, his color is white with a light black zebra motif on his body.... but right now, his kinda turns a little bit yellow on his body and fin....

there's also another 2 yellow african chichilds that share the same tank with him... and i also heard that changing color on chichilds is normal... but is it true ? if it's not.... what kinds of illness is it ? and how can i cure him ?

thank you... :)

Answer 1

Many fish go through a colour change as they mature; because they are getting older and are just changing, or beause they are displaying their dominance / submissiveness. Males will develop more colours that females, and dominant males will have the most colour.

So, it's nothing to worry about :)

The only colour change that would be worrysome would be if the edges of the scales were turning black, which would be ammonia burn. But I don't think this is the case. As always, keep an eye on your fish to make sure they aren't displaying any symptoms of illness, but what you describe sounds perrrfectly normal :)

Answer 2

Many african cichlids do change color as they reach sexual maturity. Some times the colors that are displayed express dominance among males of the species. Usually the dominant male (if there is more than one) will be the most colorful, and likely the most aggressive. The vibrant colors attract females, that are looking for the best genes represented by the colors.