Darwin clownfish not turning black

[rockstarta78]

Hi - so I just setup my Reef tank. I wanted to get a regular ocellaris and a Darwin ocellaris. So the guy who sold me the Darwin over a month ago he showed me the patents' picture (purchased through my local forum) and they were black. But I've had mine since mid March. It's been 2 months. The fish itself is 3 months old. It shows no sign of turning black. Did I get a lemon? How long does it take for them to change color? Is it always going to be this brownish color? Or did I get something other than a black and white ocellaris?

Thank you so much for your help.

 

[rockstarta78]

Sorry I couldn't take a picture without the other one photo bombing.

 

[rockstarta78]

This is a second try.

 

[Rudimenta]

If it's a Darwin (possible) is it a misbar?? Never seen a Darwin misbar.. Anyway a very nice young clown


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[Rudimenta]

Should have added the question about how old it is (and size), if it's very young all is possible


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[rockstarta78]

It's about 5+ months old. So long story short, the seller sent me one which was DOA. So he sent me this one. Dude was fine from day one. The last one wasn't misbar, but this one is misbar only on one side. The other side is fine.

 

[D-Nak]

If it's a Darwin (possible) is it a misbar?? Never seen a Darwin misbar.. Anyway a very nice young clown


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TR Darwins are frequently misbarred.

 

[D-Nak]

It's hard to tell if it's a Darwin, but it very well could be. It could possibly be a mocha.

 

[OrionN]

5 months is kinda young. I think he will be black given more time.

 

[rockstarta78]

I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

 

[phender]

I knew a guy who raised thousands of Darwin clowns. When I would go to his "hatchery" (his garage), only the largest fish in his grow-outs were actually black. Most of the fish were brown. The dominant fish (less stressed fish) in the tank became the darkest. When he removed the black fish, others would take their spots as being the darkest.

Since your Darwin clown is the smaller fish in your pair, it may take a little longer for it to reach its full adult color. As they both become adults and form a pair bond the Darwin clown should become darker.

 

[rockstarta78]

I knew a guy who raised thousands of Darwin clowns. When I would go to his "hatchery" (his garage), only the largest fish in his grow-outs were actually black. Most of the fish were brown. The dominant fish (less stressed fish) in the tank became the darkest. When he removed the black fish, others would take their spots as being the darkest.

Since your Darwin clown is the smaller fish in your pair, it may take a little longer for it to reach its full adult color. As they both become adults and form a pair bond the Darwin clown should become darker.

Thank you for your response. I think they already paired up. They are always together. So you don't think it's a mocha do you?

 

[phender]

Thank you for your response. I think they already paired up. They are always together. So you don't think it's a mocha do you?

Being paired up and being adult aren't the same thing. It will take some time for the smaller one to get his full color.

Unless the guy you bought them from is a liar or he keeps his black clown pair with normal colored clowns in the same tank, I think you have an immature Darwin clown.

 

[rockstarta78]

Being paired up and being adult aren't the same thing. It will take some time for the smaller one to get his full color.

Unless the guy you bought them from is a liar or he keeps his black clown pair with normal colored clowns in the same tank, I think you have an immature Darwin clown.

He was reputable. And sent me picture of the parents. I think mine is just immature. Which is fine, cause that's what my wife says about me lol

 

[noved]

Did it ever turn full black?