brown colt coral

[Vince S.]

Hello all,

I purchased a large sized colt coral about 3 days ago and now it has shurnk to a medium sized colt coral. The colorings were very bright pinkish and pretty but now it's more like.. brown. Does anyone know why this is happening?

Should I be waiting alittle longer?

[Reinhold]

Colts retract their polyps when they don't like where they are located. You might want to experiment with different lighting and current spots in the tank. I've experienced the same thing when I frag my Colt, and it's just trial and error to find the right spot.

[Vince S.]

would changing of the color to brown would be the same reason of not liking where they are?

[Reinhold]

Two possibilities:

(1) Coral retracting has concentrated color to a more brownish color, pink will return when it opens up.

(2) Coral was dyed pink and is losing its dye, assuming natural brown color.

All of my colts and frags have remained pink, except when retracted.

[Vince S.]

which position do you recommend that colt should be positioned at?

currently it is under the powerhead getting plent of current, middle of the rockwork getting enough light.

[Reinhold]

I find that Colts like a moderate, swaying current, not a strong one. The like moderate to strong light in my tank.

I've had Colts retract for several days and then open up beautifully. I wouldn't worry much yet.

[Vince S.]

I will wait 3 or more days than and see how it does. I will also buy aquarium glue and glue it to somewhere current is not too strong.

Thank you so much for the helpful replies you gave me - Vince