Hi I have seen some white skirt tetras and was told they have the colour taken out of them , this is not right , just another way to make more money
As in Albinos? If so then it's not quite the same as 'painting' fish, the albino colour is achieved by exploiting a genetic deformity (or something along those lines) that causes a complete lack of pigmentation just like in albino humans, albino fish can live full, happy and healthy lives as far as i am aware, though they do not personally appeal to me (the eyes creep me out).
Worse than that I'm afraid, much, much worse. The dye would not really stick very well if you just plonked them in it so instead they dip them in a substance that 'melts' through the protective slime coating the fish have, it is generally thought that this is one of the most painful experiences any fish can go through. At this point in the process, a significant number of the fish die slow, painful deaths. It is only after this that the fish are then dipped into the dye. Their suffering does not end here however as the fish of course now have no slime coat, leaving them open to infection and disease until they can regenerate it, many fish also die at this stage.
There is also the method previously mentioned of injecting the fish with dye, apart from being extremely stressful and dangerous for the fish (if the dye gets into their bloodstream then i should not imagine they will last long) there is also a commonly held theory that dirty needles (they are reused on dozens, if not hundreds of fish with no sterilisation) easily spread disease.
I have also recently seen something about companies offering a service to have personal messages or company logos painted or burned with a laser onto the fish, that's just a new low in my book.
But of course, all of this suffering and death is perfectly justifiable by companies when they see the sales figures.
I would always advise against the purchase of 'painted' fish as although it may be tempting to take pity on the poor things they will simply breed and cruelly violate more, it's all about supply and demand. Luckily these fish are becoming a less common sight on the UK (not sure if the same can be said for the US or not) market due in no small part to Practical Fishkeeping's campaign to get stores to sign a contract stating they will not sell dyed fish and also due to general decline in popularity, which in turn i believe is down to a better wealth of knowledge from places such as this forum which allows people to learn about this cruel trade.
Like DrRob said, take good care of the poor little souls now you have them, god knows they've earned it......
Sorry if i have babbled and rambled a little bit, it is a topic that i cannot help but feel passionate about, i also apologise for any mistakes i have made, it is very late and i am very sleepy.
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