Colour Changing Fish

[Edge]

Hi,

We have noticed that one of our Red Honey Gourami's is getting much darker in colour than it was before. When we bought it it was a bright red colour with reddish fins and tail. Now it's tail has gone almost black and it's overall colour is much darker. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it, no other symptoms we can see. Water checks out fine etc, etc.

Any ideas why this might happen or has anyone seen this in their fish before?

Thanks

 

[africantigerfish7]

It's probably become the dominant fish in your tank. Fish usually get darker when they are dominant and pale when they are subordinant.

 

[xJake]

Most Gouramis also tend to darken in color as they mature.

 

[voo]

I had 2 red honey's in my tank and they lost their colour, they're now a pale red and almost silver at the back. Maybe that was because of the angel fish in the tank being dominant? Anyway the angel fish have been rehomed, so does this mean they might get their colour back now?