'blackening' Of Fishes?

[Straydum]

i'd been seeing fishes, of alot of different species, that is blacker than their normal colours. monos, clown loaches etc. they look as though they were blackened by charcoal or something. can anyone explain?

 

[rob newland]

Could be the general overall health of the fish? Also maybe tank lighting?

Also from experience fish with black on tend to get darker if they are kept in hard, alkaline water - I don't know why but I have seen this happen on several koi in our pond, plus tropical fish I have kept over the years.

Rob

 

[jayjay]

Black colouring can be stress, in the case of discus for example. Surroundings also have a part to play e.g. black gravel often makes fish look darker. Also different diets can affect colouring.

 

[-germ-]

Also can be related to parasites and/or slime coat issues (this may be related to Robs point)....
When it concerns clown loaches you have to make sure it isn't related to heirachy or the possibilty you have Chocolate clowns....

 

[SouthernCross]

Can ammonia burn do that? I thought I saw on the betta forum once, someone had a betta whose fins were going black on the edges and its what someone suggested....

Like I said, I'm racking my brain from where I heard it before so don't quote me....

Obviously the first thing to do would be to check your tank stats to rule out ammonia.