Do Bristlenoses change colour?

[charley]

Hi All

I've had a bristlenose catfish for a couple of months now. Hes growing well, feeding well and all in all doing well!! What I've noticed however, is that he tends to change colour. Sometimes hes really light and sometimes hes really dark. Is this normal behaviour? (By the way, I have a feeling that 'he' really is a 'she' but again I'm not too sure.....)

Thanks in advance for your help....

 

[brissiegal]

it's normal
like a chameleon....camouflages itself into its surroundings

can be dark light or a bit of both...all blotchy!

(if you want to see it turn orange..throw in a chunk of pumpkin!!!!...serious!)

if you can see bristles on the top of its head..its a male (but if its only a couple of months old you probably won't know yet..needs to be about 1.5 - 2 inches long)

 

[charley]

THank you so much for your quick reply! I think I might have to try the pumpkin...see what happens.... I can see tiny bristles on him so I guess it really is a 'he'.....
Thanks again

 

[Barday]

I think they also go lighter when they are stressed out

 

[SirMinion]

I can see tiny bristles on him so I guess it really is a 'he'.....

The female of most species do also have bristles, just not as large or as many as the males.

If you can see small bristles it could be a female or an immature male.