About four years ago, I bought a Pseudochromis paccagnellae with the usual rich magenta coloring in the forward part of the body. As often happens, this coloring faded to a paler mauve/pink colour over a period of several months.
It's been suggested that this phenomenon is caused by dietary factors, and that inclusion of foods high in crustacean content will prevent the condition occurring.
Foods eaten by my Dottyback are primarily of a high-quality frozen types produced in Australia, containing a range of marine-sourced proteins and vegetable matter, with vitamin and mineral supplements added. No doubt the fish is also responsible for a low population of copepods, etc, in my aquarium. The Dottyback will not accept dry foods.
I find it hard to understand how such a rich variety of high-protein and vegetable materials is lacking in the correct nutrients for maintenance of proper coloring.
However, about two months ago the Dottback changed back to its orginal color. The change in appearance is startling, especially after nearly four years.
Nothing in the aquarium changed (as far as I know) while this alteration in color occurred. Major parameters remain the same, as does the feeding regime.
Any ideas about the magenta-to-mauve and the mauve-to-magenta transitions would be much appreciated.
Les
It's been suggested that this phenomenon is caused by dietary factors, and that inclusion of foods high in crustacean content will prevent the condition occurring.
Foods eaten by my Dottyback are primarily of a high-quality frozen types produced in Australia, containing a range of marine-sourced proteins and vegetable matter, with vitamin and mineral supplements added. No doubt the fish is also responsible for a low population of copepods, etc, in my aquarium. The Dottyback will not accept dry foods.
I find it hard to understand how such a rich variety of high-protein and vegetable materials is lacking in the correct nutrients for maintenance of proper coloring.
However, about two months ago the Dottback changed back to its orginal color. The change in appearance is startling, especially after nearly four years.
Nothing in the aquarium changed (as far as I know) while this alteration in color occurred. Major parameters remain the same, as does the feeding regime.
Any ideas about the magenta-to-mauve and the mauve-to-magenta transitions would be much appreciated.
Les
