Howdy, just thought i'd introduce myself and ask a question

[Spexor]

Hey everybody. The name is colin but most people call me CP or korky. I just started a 29 gallon freshwater tank about a week ago (advantages of working at a pet store). So far i've got 8 danios (6 giant and 2 gold), along with a pimodella (sp?) catfish and a green severum. The danios are cool, my catfish is dumber than a bag of bricks and my severum is cute as all ****. My one question right now is just a curious observation. I noticed that sometimes my severum (who will be heron refered to as "dorie") is almost entirely a golden color but when she gets agitated (one of the giant danios is a real butthead) or someone taps the glass her stripes come out really black. Is this normal for severums to be able to make their stripes apear and disapear? I really know next to nothing about fish and am learning as i go while asking questions from fish people i know. thanks for any help in advance!

[reefrunner69]

to AquariumAdvice.com!!!

Is this normal for severums to be able to make their stripes apear and disapear?

Yes it is a stress reaction. The verticle stripes would look like weeds or plants in their natural habitat, so when stressed/frightened the stripes will come back for a sort of camouflage.

[tkos]

Welcome.

Yeah, many fish can do colour changes for mood reasons or camouflage.