Firemouth & Bolivian Ram Coloring

[Carey27]

I have three chiclids in my tanks (2 Bolivian Rams & 1 Firemouth). I had the Rams now for ~ 3-4 months. After a week or so of taking them home from the LFS their Colors brightened and cleared as they became acclimated to a new healthy tank. After a few months (and before I added the Firemouth) Vertical grey bands starting appearing on the Rams from the top/dorsal area of the fish and fading slightly as the run to the belly.

I added the firemouth ~ 3 weeks ago and he has began showing simliar grey stripes about a week ago.

Im curious to find out if this is normal, seasonal, indicative of a possible problem with my setup etc... Any ideas???

Thanks,


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Tank = 30 Gallon
pH = 7
Temp = 78 - 82 F
normal / very low NH4
* I do have a BGA outbreak and am treating it with antibiotics (but the color change ocured prior)

 

[parker313]

Grey stripes like that can often be a stress indicator (one of mine has a lot of gray on right now and I think it's b/c I got 2 of the same sex and they've been squabbling bit). You say your temp is 78-82... Does it vary by that much quickly or often? Specific numbers aren't often important as long as they're within range, but varying temps too much or too quickly can be stressful.

The graying of the fish could be due to territorial issues, esp with the rams - are they opposite or same sex?