slowe417

i have an angelfish and it normaly has very light stripes. but when i feed it its stripes seem to darken. any other time something that would exite it the stripes get darker. like when i clean the tank. is it a defence mechanism, or are the difrent colors compleminting it.

Dino

The colors of most fish change according to mood.

It is a defense mechanism.

slowe417

k thanks

Allie

That what I was going to say. My angels color looks lighter...the stripes disappear when spooked and gain color when "frisky".

COBettaCouple

Does it look like little 'spikes' go up along the top of his head? Our angel Fred will raise or lower his, depending on mood. Maybe Allie or Dino know the exact term for what I'm talking about?

Sabi

Yip! It goes with the mood. My angel Fire H also lets up his spikes generally when he wants to fight or when exited, like when i feed.

Drea

Isn't the temperature a factor too? If they are cold, don't (tropical) fish look pale?

Sabi

Yes, that too can make them lose color.