Faded coloring

[John3]

I have noticed at some of the lfs I visit they will have fish that seem otherwise healthy except they have faded coloring. At one store I remember a school of anthias came in and their coloring was very vibrant. 3-4 weeks later the fish that remained were all faded.

Are these fish to be avoided? Can these fish gain their vibrant coloring back with a healthier diet or better environment?

 

[jda]

Generally yes, the color can come back with better water quality, less stress and better diet.

Anthias can be tricky. If the male got sold, then the rest will lose color. The will color back up when one of the remaining females starts to transition.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Color almost always comes back once in a reef tank vs being in a dealers tank.

I haven't had a problem with female anthias losing colors without a male. It is still a social hierarchy, so they will still be vying for better positioning.