How Can I Give My Fish More Colour

[jenko_015]

i have a red tailed black shark but it is looking dull as it isnt as black as i would like it to be. does a light help or is there other ways of dealing with this?

 

[@ombomb]

Generally speaking, the more comfortable a fish is in it's environment, the more it's colours will show.

For the RTBS (other than getting that bigger tank) the best thing to do is provide some small caves which it can hide away in. Also make sure your water quality is good, check the stats for Amonia / NitrIte / NirtAte and perform regular tank maintenance (water changes / gravel vacuuming etc).

 

[karlp]

All of what @ombomb says is right. Fish colour up when they're healthy and happy.

Just to add two more tips.

Lighting definitely makes a big difference. You're never going to appreciate their full colours in just day light. Some tubes enhance colours further too.

Also with some breeds, keeping a male and female together (mainly with bettas and gouramis) will encourage greater colouration as the male displays to the female.

 

[@ombomb]

Also with some breeds, keeping a male and female together (mainly with bettas and gouramis) will encourage greater colouration as the male displays to the female.

Don't try this with the RTBS though...

 

[dwarfgourami]

Also with some breeds, keeping a male and female together (mainly with bettas and gouramis) will encourage greater colouration as the male displays to the female.

Don't try this with the RTBS though...

And I would even be cautious with bettas.

 

[Asmp41]

I also think a good dose of protein works . I give mosqito larve etc to mine. I am not 100% what rtbs eat but live or frozen products do help.