Are My Honey Gouramis Ok?

[mwalsh101]

My dwarf honey gouramis have changed colour? Just wondering if it's stress/disease or just natural.

They have gone quite dark on top from their heads back and both have this dark stripe going to the tail fin.
They are eating fine and seem quite active, I tested the water this morning and everything is fine.

Apologies for the quality of the pics - taken from my phone.

 

[hanny93]

Mine have done that, looks like they've been dusted with soot almost!

I don't think it's anything to worry about, some people say its because of a dark background or substrate if you have one?

I still don't know why mine did it as my background was light (no background and white walls) and so was my sand.

 

[mwalsh101]

Thanks for replying! It's good to know mine aren't the only ones. I don't have a background on my tank but its backed up to a magnolia wall (should i have a background?). The gravel is mostly white but has a load of other colours thrown in. I will keep an eye on them and let you know!

Thanks again.

 

[hanny93]

I wouldn't worry if I was you

Backgrounds just make the tank look better, there isn't really a purpose IMO unless you need to block out sunlight/other light sources.

Hope it doesn't turn out to be a disease!

 

[Twinklecaz]

The look lovely colours to me but just watch it because that black can be a sign of internal bacteria. If you notice them starting to behave oddly or lethargic then personaly I would treat. Could be nothing though as as I said, they look really good to me.

 

[shadowangels27]

They could be getting ready for some cozy time in the cave if you know what I mean...

Honey gouramis will change colors when they hit puberty/mature. I was told that black along the throat meant it was a male and a stripe meant it was a female.

I have a honey gouramis and he looks like one of yours. With some grey in the head region but its not as dark as yours... [yet]

 

[nosoup4you]

As shadowangels mentions, the change in coloration is simply breeding colors coming in.