Damsels lose color at night

[mchandler]

When I turn the lights on in the morning, my yellow tailed blue Damsels are a pale blue - almost white-blue....then after a few minutes, they get their deep blue color back, is this normal? I am using them to cycle my tank, could it be the stress?

 

[aqua blue]

Hello mchandler.
The pale color when first turning on your tank lights in the morning is normal. I had a blue devil damsel, when I started my tank, that would chage to a pale purple almost gray color. Once the fish settle into their surroundings more the color changes may not be as drastic but will probably still be noticable when first turning on the lights. Nothing to worry about. I mean what do you look like when you first wake up in the morning.
Good Luck Enjoy

 

[fshhub]

although, I prefer to not use fish to cycle wiht, this is actually normal, even with good water conditions. Many fish in sw do this at night, particularly damsels.

 

[ophiura]

It is actually commonly referred to as "pajama coloration." Nothing to worry about.

 

[deuce biggalow]

A lot of fish do this, My tangs look like they are on their deathbeds if I shine a flashlight on them in the middle of the night.

 

[birdy]

It is a defense mechanism, if they are not as colorful at night the predator may not see them.

 

[irenicus]

All my fish turn pale at night. Don't worry about it.