Blue Widow Tetra

[boxman]

My LFS has some blue widow tetras (yes, BLUE)

I can't find anything on the net in relation to these fish. I know there are black widow tetras and they can look blue under certain lights (almost purple) - but these are labled blue.

I've seen black widows and these are the same shape but definately a very different colour.

I'm looking to get 4 but want to check with the people who are in the know first (you lot!)

Cheers
Pete

 

[One_Trick_Pony]

they copuld eprhapse be dyed albino versions of sadi fish. although i seem to recall reading ina book that a few other colours were strting to be breed

 

[Lateral Line]

A lot of times, blue or red widows are albino black widows that have been dyed or injected with colourant.

Hmmm, there used to be a pinned thread which discussed painting/injecting fish and had pictures of a lot of the results, but I can't find it?

Suffice to say, the process used to produce them is cruel, and only a few of the fish treated survive. Those that do, the colour tends to fade away over a period.

In the US, these are called blueberry, strawberry of fruit tetras.

PFK magazine. Has some info on the processes involved.

 

[boxman]

Thanks Lat

I'd assumed it's something along that line.

I'm going to the LFS in 1/2 hour so I'll quiz them about them - should be interesting to hear what they do.

I've read a bit about painting / colouring of the fish - sounds really cruel!!

Will be interesting what they come up with!

Thanks for your help!

Pete

 

[boxman]

Well, interesting outcome to the 'blue'widow tetra story - I went down to the LFS and the staff were a bit sparse on information at first until I gave a direct question as to whether they were dyed or injected.......

..... The answer I received was...... "well.... I'm not sure..... more than likely".

I didn't realise such a thing existed until recently!

It just shows, searching around on these forums does pay - thanks to everyone to replied! Saved me making a mistake that time!

Pete

 

[Lateral Line]

Good for you Pete. It helps the cause greatly when people actually confront the shops that sell these things. Will make them think about it next time they are at the wholesaler.