clownfish

[josie521]

Hi All, can anyone tell me why my 4 year old pecula clown has turned very dark,( the other one in the same tank is not changing)?It is usually really orange with the white patches, but just lately its orange has turned to dark brown..it is not sick and I have changed nothing in its tank.Any info would be helpful. Thanks, Josie

[ClownBoy]

Pecula can readily pick up that dark coloration. I have several pairs and some are quite dark. I wouldn’t worry about it. What are you feeding them and have you changed their feed lately? Some foods such as VibrGrow, Brine Shrimp Plus and some spirulina have a large quantity of carotenoid pigments (caroteno-protiens) that after a few weeks of feeding will make the clowns color really pop. Also I have found that clowns that are associated with an anemone will often darken up quite a bit. I have a pair of False Percula that I are in a tank that was started with de-clorinated tap water. I usually dont do this but I was in a jam and needed water badly. For some odd reason they are both more brown than orange. The are from the same clutch that several other pair I keep are from. The others are quite orange with very bright white stripes. Maybe something in the water?

I hope this helps... and once again, what are you feeding them?

[josie521]

HI. I feed Omega one flake and frozen brine. I use water from the tap been doing that for 4 years. Thanks again

[slojmn]

I have a really dark Ocellaris clownfish. As time has gone on she has gotten darker and darker. She and her mate, who is bright orange, have not taken up a host of any sort. Although they both rub a little in an open brain and an elegance. Here is a picture.