Percula clown turning dark

[pebbles]

I bought 2 Percula clowns (tank bred) from this site 4-13-05 I took pictures when I 1st got them they were both orange now one has the top half turning dark (this one gets bitten & chased away by the all orange one when I feed them). Is this normal or a sign that he's sick? he seems fine & sticks with the other clown 99% of the day. My water levels are all normal. Thanks

 

[reefnut]

It's strange "SHE" is getting chased away because usually when one darkens it means it is turning female and becoming the dominate fish. I think you'll see a turnaround in their behaviours.... this is nature at its finest!!

 

[teresaq1]

I was wondering the same thing. My bigger one is starting to turn dark on top. I figured she was turning into a she

:happyfish :happyfish

 

[booduh]

Do you have other fish in your tank that are turning darker also?
I have heard of fish turning darker because of high nitrates and phosphates. If only one fish is affected I do not see it as a problem, but if other fish are affected it could be due to nitrates.
If the darkening is due to nitrates the darkening will be blotchey and uneven, affecting all the fish.
Just a thought, you may want to test your water parameters and see. I do not see it as a great concern, but it is a cool transformation.

 

[teresaq1]

no, only on is turning dark, and its even. i posted pic of my babies you can see the one bigger and darker

 

[reefnut]

Originally Posted by TeresaQ1
no, only on is turning dark, and its even. i posted pic of my babies you can see the one bigger and darker
That's all it is... the clown is turning female and becoming dominate!!

 

[pebbles]

yeah only one fish is changing color & it's from just under the fins all the way to the top & from end to head. I've had my water levels tested at the lfs because my nitrates always seem to be high 20 - 40 on the test kit I have but I take it in and they say it's 10. I do 5 gal water changes every couple of weeks I only have 3 fish in the 40 gal tank 2 clowns & a jawfish. I just can't believe they can start changing that fast I've only had the fish a month.

 

[pebbles]

Update:

9-2005 My clown is now almost all orange again & she does pick on the male more then he picks on her.