bizzare coloration

[Electric Snowman]

I've had a pair of cacs for about 2 months now, and am fascinated with them. They have yet to succeffully breed, (I found eggs once but none hatched) and I cannot believe the color changes that happen with them. Today I slowly crept up to my tank, and my female was hiding in the back, and she was completely grey, all except for her eye and a single spot on either side of her body which were both pitch black. I only witnessed this pattern for a moment, and when she spotted me, she quickly came to the front of the tank and the full stripe, and all her other markings stood out again. Does anyone know what this means? These fish are truley wonderful!

 

[Mike Wise]

The dark eye & prominent lateral spot are typical brooding dress for A. cacatuoides. Usually the background color is dull yellow until she brings out freeswimming fry. Then she becomes bright yellow. Your female may be brooding eggs or larvae right now.

 

[Electric Snowman]

wow that would be cool, I havent seen any fry, but I did notice her with that pattern again, and she is hiding a little more than usual. Thanks for the reply