Why is my Altantic Blue...yellow?

[Untamed12]

I've had this guy for almost 3 months and he is doing very well. Have a look at these two photos. The first was taken April 29, the 2nd June 2.

In that time frame he has become distinctly MORE yellow. I would have expected him to lose the yellow as he grew...not the other way 'round.

Is this normal?...or do I own an Altantic Yellow Tang?

 

[LisaD]

I think you own a juvenile Atlantic blue tang. I don't know why it is more yellow, maybe it's healthier and happier in your tank. It will change color as it matures. I'd enjoy the bright yellow as long as you can.

 

[triggerfish1976]

Its a juvenile. It will turn blue eventually.

 

[Bax]

It is beautiful! A favorite of mine!

 

[Untamed12]

Yeah...that would be his normal juvenile colouration. I just couldn't figure out why he appeared to be almost blue for a month or two...then reverted to his yellow juvenile state.

It will be fun to watch him change...again.

 

[thor32766]

He is a beautiful Atlantic blue to say the least!!! Gorgeous fish one of my favorites.

 

[stykthyn]

sweet, we have those wild here. I have been trying to catch one for the last three years.

 

[Lagger]

I think it also depends how they come from the wild. Mine's prob 3" adult, all blue. My buddy's is prob 4-5" juvi, still yellow. Not sure how long it takes for the change to occur.

 

[JHemdal]

I'm not certain what the stimulus is for these fish to change color as they mature, but I have seen a definate trend towards seeing smaller bright blue ones on the reef and larger yellow ones as long-term captives. Just be grateful that it hasn't changed to a muddy blue/gray like so many of them do (grin ).

JHemdal

 

[stykthyn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12670388#post12670388 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JHemdal
I'm not certain what the stimulus is for these fish to change color as they mature, but I have seen a definate trend towards seeing smaller bright blue ones on the reef and larger yellow ones as long-term captives. Just be grateful that it hasn't changed to a muddy blue/gray like so many of them do (grin ).

JHemdal

you may have something there. I see quite a few smaller fish in the wild that have already turned blue or are well on their way to being blue by 4". I wonder if it is stress of captivity or perhaps there is something missing from their diet??

 

[thor32766]

thats a tough one, because for example look as some angel fish like emporers. I have seen full blown adult colors on like a 4 inch fish and then seen 7-8 inches full juvi colors with only hints of maybe changing.