Clown Loach Color Change

[dcarmor927]

I've been sitting at my desk surfing the web, look over, the 3 clown loaches i have are fine...look over 5 minutes later, they are all faded...the stripes are a dirty grey and the look more brown than their usual orange tint...i checked my water stats and everything was fine, went to do a water change anyways and after taking out 10 gallons they are all back to normal... can someone tell me what happened? i didnt do anything that stressed em out, like i said i was just sitting down at my cpu...Thanks

 

[mikev]

The most common reason is a dominance "fight". (Did they also behave unusually, like pushed each other?---but from your post it seems you missed the main action.) If yes, the dominant loach is the one who stayed grayed out last.

 

[dcarmor927]

I did see some nudging, but i rushed to check my water so i missed whatever else went down anyways, thanks for the answer!!

 

[mikev]

Probably that was it. You will see some more of it, at irregular intervals. All Botine loaches do this, and usually there is no damage, only an entertaining show...

 

[dcarmor927]

Thanks again! i'll keep an eye out for it next time

 

[loachman]

Generally, it is common. "Graying out" can be a result of a number of factors. Here is an article on clown markings and a section on graying out with pictures.

It can also be a result of poor environment, but in your case it is unlikely.