Pigments in foods

MC · Post by MC » 12 Nov 2003, 14:49

Can anyone please tell me or point me in the right direction, with regard to the effects of pigments in food on the appearance/colouring of Loricariidae.

Has any research been carried out?

What are the results of this research?

Are other environmental factors more relevant in determining catfish colouration?

Thanks for any replies. The reason behind my questions is basically curiosity.

S. Allen · Post by **S. Allen** » 12 Nov 2003, 22:38

I haven't really used anything in particular to color any of my fish up... I think a reasonable diet of the things they're supposed to get will bring out their colors just fine. If you had something like a titanic or a scarlet you might try adding things with more shrimp meal... could possibly enhance the red a bit, I dunno how likely it is though.

Stress is a major factor in coloration. when I got my Lda33 he was a light greeny color for the first hour in the tank, now he's back to the normal jet black with white spots. many plecos show extreme variations in color due to stress.

MC · Post by MC » 13 Nov 2003, 07:22

Thanks for the response Scott.

I guess I see these wonderfully catfish with brightly coloured seams on fins, and was wondering if these cats have a different and varied diet to those that appear to be relatively plain in colour.

Catfish are definitely not my forte. So I like to learn about these matters.