Jewel colors not what they used to be

[FishDad]

I have been keeping African cichlids for nearly a year now and many thanks to contributers of this site for my success. One of my first fish is a jewel cichlid whose colors were always a bright, vibrant red. I'm talking prize winning colors compared most other jewels that I've seen. Any way for that past few months its colors have been far more subdued with out any real change in behavior or significant change to the tank set up. It doesn't really get picked on aside from the occasional fin nip, but no more than any other of its tankmates. I purchased him nearly a year ago at about an inch and a half and he has grown to over three inches now in a 70 Gal with lots of hidding places.

So any ideas? Thanks for reading.

 

[GooGirl]

Maybe has to do with the type of food???

 

[FishDad]

Good thought but I don't think that could be it. I have been feeding them the same brand of flakes with suppliments of veggie rounds for a year. Actually last week I switched to pellets because they are getting bigger and hungrier. No visible change. Strange but at least he seems healthy and happy.

 

[GooGirl]

Ok sorry, but I can't think of anything else...

 

[FishDad]

I was thinking maybe its just a phase in there life cycle. Perhaps they are supposed to be very vibrant for a time and then dull for a time. Sort of like mating seasons.

 

[GooGirl]

Ya possibly!

 

[achase]

Ideas, hmm....
Maybe a slight change in the water parameters that he is picking up on? Some fish are more sensitive than others.
I'm not familiar with the life cycle of African Cichlids, but color change does seem to normally occur as they age.

 

[FishDad]

Maybe, I wonder if my city water has changed at all. I did read on the old internet that people have had similar complaints about there jewels. But some say its when you add a female, others say its when you remove a female. I don't know...

 

[achase]

I wouldn't be considered unless the health of the fish declines.

 

[FishDad]

Yeah he seems fine. I just miss having a bright red fish...

 

[Fuzz16]

Feeding the same manufactured food doesnt mean much because they could change their formulas. Add some frozen bloodworms and see if he gets some color back.

If not, I would blame stress from water quality, tank mates, or maybe activity levels at home.

 

[GooGirl]

I agree. It seems that almost any change in the environment can affect the fish!

 

[FishDad]

I'll try the bloodworms. I probably should be supplementing those into their diet anyway.

 

[KcMopar]

I like to feed freeze dried frill to my Africans about twice a week, normally on the weekends as a treat. I break them up a little for the smaller ones. when I started doing this I noticed my Jewel color up a little better. He has always been a really nice Red anyway. I would think your Jewel maybe stressed.