Changing colors

[David2022]

I recently bought 2 black convict cichlids I believe they are both female they are in a tank with two young oscars its a 55g tank and yes I know I need bigger but water parameters are a lil off my tank went through a second cycle I ditched carbon and got a lot of ceramic bio Max but the problem I have been having is my convicts change colors most the smaller female not to sure if its normal she goes pale the seconds later she's colorful again I have a very light crushed coral substrate dark plants some dark slate rocks and caves water temp is a constant 77 degrees. So what could be the cause? Any ideas or suggestions is greatly appreciated. Also found out that there is ich in the tank on a diff fish what's best to clear it up I know it go through cycles and at points is immune to chems

 

[PockX]

Almost all fish change colors due to stress and can also be the substrate and it's environment. Some fish are more prone to color changes, for example, a red tail shark. I am not familiar with convicts so maybe someone else would know more..but that's my 2 cents haha.

 

[David2022]

The only thing with stress is that most people say the stay like that for a little while mine you could look at her and look at a diff fish and its has dark colors again

 

[PockX]

The only thing with stress is that most people say the stay like that for a little while mine you could look at her and look at a diff fish and its has dark colors again

Hmm.. my acei cichlid changes allll the time..it seems like in the blink of the eye he can be like almost black and then he'll be like an electric blue and you can see his stripes and his yellow tail really easy.

 

[David2022]

That seems to be what my convicts are doin well one of them one is always real dark but will show really dark blues that stand out

 

[PockX]

That seems to be what my convicts are doin well one of them one is always real dark but will show really dark blues that stand out

Yeah. I wouldn't worry too much about color..if you have color enhancing food and have everything else good they should be consistant after while. Or maybe not..lol. Color can be a sign of stress..but if you think they're fine and have no other problems..then I wouldnt worry too much

 

[David2022]

Alright thanks

 

[PockX]

Alright thanks

Yup, no problem..maybe some people who have convicts could let you know more and if it's common, because I don't know.

 

[Justkell]

My convict gets darker and more color when ready to breed! The females have a constant orange patch on belly. Males don't.

 

[David2022]

Just got a male yesterday the bigger female is really dark now