Bimac anthias color flashing

[bly_50]

Hi all! I have 2 bimac anthias and the last few days, one has begun to start changing colors but not like when they turn male. It will swim up really fast to the other one or to other fish and when it does that, it suddenly has stripes like a zebra but in muted shades of it’s natural color. It’s the coolest thing but I’m wondering if anyone knows what I’m talking about? Is it stress? Changing? I’m so confused lol I’d post a video but it happens so fast I don’t have a chance to catch it.

 

[blaxsun]

Many fish will take on different color patterns when they're excited, stressed, etc. Fairly normal (my parrotfish goes from "ah" to "blah" when he does that, so yours sounds much cooler!)

 

[Brian1f1]

Hi all! I have 2 bimac anthias and the last few days, one has begun to start changing colors but not like when they turn male. It will swim up really fast to the other one or to other fish and when it does that, it suddenly has stripes like a zebra but in muted shades of it’s natural color. It’s the coolest thing but I’m wondering if anyone knows what I’m talking about? Is it stress? Changing? I’m so confused lol I’d post a video but it happens so fast I don’t have a chance to catch it.

Old thread but this sounds like a male or transitioning bimac “flashing” it’s a territorial/hierarchical/mating display. In simple terms keeping his harem his, subordinate, and subsequently, from transitioning to male. Very cool fish.