pleco changes color????

Discussion in 'Freshwater Fish' started by oakvad, Oct 1, 2009.

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  1. oakvad

    oakvad Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Jul 26, 2009
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    Location:
    Cheyenne WY.
    So i have a pleco in one of my tanks hes about 7 inches long and changes color. Not sure if this is normal or what. Hes just like a chameleon only i think he changes with his mood. He also comes out to eat when i feed my oscars, he loves blood worms and telapia, Heres a pic when he changes to white. normal color is of course dark with black spots
     

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  3. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    Mine does same Oavad, had it 3 years now and it tends to vary its colour depending where it is- when its on the back glass I can see its all over dark colour, when its on the gravel its mottled like yours is (natural camouflage)

    Steve
     
  4. mattheuw1

    mattheuw1 Montipora Capricornis

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    Its a camouflage kind of thing. All plecs do it. I have 3 in my 125g and all of them do it.
     
  5. oakvad

    oakvad Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Location:
    Cheyenne WY.
    well thats good to know just never heard of it or seen it before. thanks for the info guys
     
  6. vansdonk

    vansdonk Plankton

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    Oct 7, 2009
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    Mine is red.

    I have one that was very dark when we got him and now he is red. Eats anything floating in the tank, flakes, bloodworms, etc. Our gravel is red and so is the driftwood, so I think that caused it.
     
  7. Dalesh

    Dalesh Plankton

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    Aug 25, 2010
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    Yes they do change color.

    Sometimes it's a sign of stress due to poor water quality, but more often than not they would change color just to hide, or if they are in a bad mood.