Pseudosquilla Ciliata Color

[mikchabe]

Hi,

I purchased a bright yellow Pseudosquilla ciliata (I believe) a few months ago, and after molting it turned dark green.

I understand it will change color when molting to match its habitat.

Is it as simple as changing the habitat to yellow to get the shrimp to change back to yellow (which I would prefer), or is there more to it than that? It doesn't seem like there is a lot of habitats on reefs that are primarily yellow.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Pea-brain]

P. ciliata is thought to turn yellow in habitats that are safe. Murky water and bright reefs with alot of hiding spots. There they can afford to sexually advertise themselves. The yellow moporph is the most stable and it isn't uncommon for a yellow P. ciliata to stay yellow. But I'm afraid I haven't heard of them turning yellow in the home aquarium. You could try but I don't think you'd have alot of luck.

Dan

 

[Gonodactylus]

The yellow color phase does seem to be produced in at least some animals by broad spectrum, bright lighting and a lot of background color variation. Genetics also seems to play a role. For example, yellow morphs are rare in the Caribbean and I have never seen on in Hawaii, but they are common in the Indo-Pacific. I did one produce a yellow colored P. c by keeping it in a bright yellow plastic bucket, so it can be done, but that is all the information I can add.

Roy

 

[mikchabe]

Thanks for the info.

I'll make some changes to my tank and see if I can get my mantis to turn yellow again.

Mike