L397 colurs

[Gio2013]

Hi,

i wondered why I see many 397 washed out, unlike many other photos where the fish have a bright red color.

In addition to the normal variations in color from fish to fish, I was wondering if this is a technique of camouflage and then if there is some way to get out of him the red, or older if they lose pigmentation.

Thanks

[Jools]

I've not seen a picture of a "washed out" one?

Jools

[.Plecomania.]

maybe food has to do with it? will Astaxanthin in diet help bring out the plecs' red-oranges?

[jac]

An overall observation of mine is that females show a nicer and intenser coloration then the males. Mostly that is because the males have loads of odonthodes on their bodies, so it seems like they are more grey..

[Axle]

I have seen some washed out ones and know what you mean by this.
I'd say a lot of the time its just stress colours like with most plecs when you catch them or do tank alterations etc.
Having said that I also have witnessed some older males that are a lot less attractive than younger 397s and I also think this is the same with most, if not all plecs and probably fish in general.

I have a few 397s which are approximately 3yrs old now and it would appear to me that they are in there prime as far as colour and condition go.

I hope that helps.