Pale coloured clown loach

[petalop]

I have 4 clown loaches in my community tank. One of them appears to be healthy, but is very pale in colour. Is this normal, or is he sick, and I just don't know it yet?

 

[Neuve]

how long have you had them?
Maybe its just a little bit old...
Whats your diet?
What are your parameters?

 

[TheNewGuy]

loss of color is usually the first sign of a sickness coming on.

 

[Allivymar]

Hiya petalop and welcome to Aquariumadvice

Clown loaches change color like I change undies *grin*

If your parameters are good, and there is no change in behavior, its likely your clown is simply displaying his mood. My clowns will "gray out" when they are fighting over food. Its part of the dominance play. Do read the article here from loaches.com and see if it fits your situation: http://www.loaches.com/markings.html

 

[TheNewGuy]

so you are saying about once a month then?

 

[rokz]

does this graying out refer also to tiger barbs? One of my eight tigers has "grayed out." Is it just a mood change or is he sick?

 

[rokz]

does this graying out refer also to tiger barbs? One of my eight tigers has "grayed out." Is it just a mood change or is he sick?