[nycvr6]

I have noticed for about a week now that my larger super red's red has been fading. I thought first i should give him some time it may come back, but it's been the same. He is a little under 5", gets fed very well, beefheart, shrimp, squid, steak, etc... And i do plenty of water changes. Well here's the pic let me know what you think the big one is on the right, on the left is the head of my smaller super red for comparison.

 

[SERRAPYGO]

I had no doubt It was a possibility that it would happen. Regular natts fade, why not them? Oh well, enjoy the brilliance while it lasts. I just got 8 of these guys so I guess I'll find out in time to.

 

[Death in #'s]

thats wierd my 3 super reds are all still super red and they are 4-5"
is he like that all the time or just at night

 

[nycvr6]

I had no doubt It was a possibility that it would happen. Regular natts fade, why not them? Oh well, enjoy the brilliance while it lasts. I just got 8 of these guys so I guess I'll find out in time to.

All the time as far as ive noticed.

 

[Judazzz]

I don't think it's something to worry about: my tankraised reds (ok, that's not a 100% correct comparison, but still...) from time to time look a bit washed out as well. Usually, they have a pretty bright red belly, but from time to time, but they loose their vivid colors for a while (as in a couple of days) as well.
Maybe it's a lil' stress, a sign that a water chance is needed, maybe it's hunger (or overfeeding), maybe it's just a thing that happens naturally from time to time, I'm not sure. But it doesn't seem to affect my lil' guys one bit, and they've regained their normal coloration after a while...

One more thing I just remembered (if I recall correctly, Frank has written this sometime, somewhere): tank-kept piranha's (or fish in general, for that matter) lack certain minerals/nutrients they do find in the wild, and since diet is one of the things that affect/influence coloration, it could be that as well...

 

[Nomorewifenagginboutfish]

I received 2 super reds when they where about 3 inches or so. They are now 4 to 5 inches and their color has actually gotten better. I feed them catfish nuggets, shrimp, beefheart, and once every 2 weeks they get feeders. I use liquid garlic extract and some vitamin suppliments called avaitron mixed with their food(except the feeders). I have noticed that the colors in all my pygos improved and that they heal from the occasional fin nip somewhat faster. Hope this helps.

 

[SERRAPYGO]

tank-kept piranha's (or fish in general, for that matter) lack certain minerals/nutrients they do find in the wild, and since diet is one of the things that affect/influence coloration, it could be that as well...

I agree 10,000 percent. Until someone figures out a way to mimic the Amazon....

 

[Xenon]

I have not noticed a change in the color except at night. I am sure they will fade in time, its inevitable.

 

[o snap its eric]

No surprise to me. Nothing in this world that is loving and stay the same color shape as they were when they were in their prime. You buy super reds for the red color. Enjoy it while they last.

 

[tinyteeth]

i think super reds are regular reds that had a good diet. i had regular reds that looked like supers. i think its krill and the likes that give them the bright red.

 

[Judazzz]

i think super reds are regular reds that had a good diet. i had regular reds that looked like supers. i think its krill and the likes that give them the bright red.

The difference between those super reds and domestic reds is that the first are wild-caught, and therefore had "acces" to certain minerals, nutrients etc. which were present in the water/food (they all come from more or less the same area in Brasil, I think). Tank-bred reds never will never come into contact with those elements, and thus lack the vivid bright red. This can be countered somewhat by feeding them shrimp, krill and color-enhancing pellets (the reason why so many reds still look great, with very bright red), but it'll always be an artificial way to maximize colors, which has nothing to do with the reasons those wild reds have such brilliant coloration.

 

[DiXoN]

i think super reds are regular reds that had a good diet. i had regular reds that looked like supers. i think its krill and the likes that give them the bright red.

The difference between those super reds and domestic reds is that the first are wild-caught, and therefore had "acces" to certain minerals, nutrients etc. which were present in the water/food (they all come from more or less the same area in Brasil, I think). Tank-bred reds never will never come into contact with those elements, and thus lack the vivid bright red. This can be countered somewhat by feeding them shrimp, krill and color-enhancing pellets (the reason why so many reds still look great, with very bright red), but it'll always be an artificial way to maximize colors, which has nothing to do with the reasons those wild reds have such brilliant coloration.

i agree with what jonas said and if you think about it if someone could take water samples of the amazon rivers these p's are from and have it analized for whatever minerals etc are in them then a additive could be made to mimic the amazon.
the only problem being is the cost with not that much return we can but dream
dixon

 

[InSinUAsian]

Regular natts fade, why not them? Oh well, enjoy the brilliance while it lasts.

 

[thePACK]

One more thing I just remembered (if I recall correctly, Frank has written this sometime, somewhere): tank-kept piranha's (or fish in general, for that matter) lack certain minerals/nutrients they do find in the wild, and since diet is one of the things that affect/influence coloration, it could be that as well...

exactly ...

 

[tinyteeth]

i read this article from this scientist who said if you fed with natural foods like seeds, nuts, and fruits (which would drop into the river where they live) those foods gave the reds a bright flourescent red coloring. and a strict meat diet would give a darker red (not as appealing)

 

[Poseidon X]

what about the reticulated spots... normal reds dont have these.

 

[Judazzz]

what about the reticulated spots... normal reds dont have these.

My guess would be:
the same as differences in coloration/pattern/etc. within other animal species: for example, the common wolf has many names and appearances, but are all the same species. Adjustments to specific environments (diet, climate, waterchemistry, camouflage [sp?], etc.) cause these differences within a single species...

 

[ion]

Regular natts fade, why not them? Oh well, enjoy the brilliance while it lasts.

:nod:

Yup, my regular reds fade and sometimes glow again........

Well, enjoy while you can.....

 

[CHI]

i've had my three super reds for a month now.. got them when they were 2-3".. and i've noticed that alot of the red is gone.. and has been like that since a week ago... not too sure y .. hopefully it wil come back

 

[MR HARLEY]

CANT WAIT TO GET MINE HOPE THEY DONT LOSE THEIR COLOR