Why do Discus turn black?

[SimmonM]

Hi people! I'm curious as to why Discus turn black. My friend has one (of five) that occasionally turns all black and then after about a weeks time returns to normal color. None of the others do this.

What is it that causes this?

Thanks in advance,
Simmon
Simmon_Mohan@yahoo.com

[Carol_Roberts]

Discus turn black when they are sick, highly stressed or very unhappy. Turning black is not a good thing.

Perhaps your friends discus is sick or maybe constipated.

[SimmonM]

Thank you for advice Carol.

The one that turns color from time to time behaves (in so far as I can tell and if I can count on what my friend tells me) the same black or not. This particular fish is also the "bully" of the group, it pecks a lot at the others and seems to be highly territorial - would that matter?

What would you recommend for this condition?

Thanks again,
Simmon
Simmon_Mohan@yahoo.com

[Carol_Roberts]

Turning dark with bars showing for a few minutes here and there is fine - solid for a few days is not. I always start with extra water changes and cleaning the tank.

[SimmonM]

Thank you once again!

Simmon
Simmon_Mohan@yahoo.com

[MGR]

Carol:

Why do they turn black when there breeding



Mgr ;D

[Carol_Roberts]

Very excited I guess

You are correct they do turn dark, but not solid black when breeding. Of Course babies are attracted to dark parents too.

Maybe dark discus are blend in with the surroundings more so that predators can't see sick fish or breeding fish.