Brislenose

[PhilInForum]

Hi all, I haven't posted for ages but I've been lurking around on occasion to see what's happening.

I've had a brislenose for about 9 months now. There's not really anything in its tank that would bother it, tank mates include neon’s and a few sword tails and cories.
Anyway, every now and then when I look at it closely it has a yellow patch around its tail and one closer to its eyes. This has happened a few times and it goes away as quickly as it appears.
Do they have a camouflage thing or any ideas on what this could be?

[OrionGirl]

Like many fish, bristlenose can change their coloration to blend in, but also to show moods. Mine shows much greater contrast when I feed--he turns almost yellow with a brown pattern. Normal color is more a tan/brown. When he's chasing someone away from his turf, he's very white/black.

I wouldn't worry about it, just one of their little traits. :)

[famman]

Sounds like he likes the attention, sort of like a dog wagging his tail.
good luck
:)

[PhilInForum]

Thanks, I was fairly sure that this was the case. As the patches always appeared in the same distinct pattern, its appetite for heaps of zucini was always strong as well. Although the first time it happened I was a bit worried.

Just quickly, in your experiences, roughly how long does it take for them to reach full size? And full size is ~10-12cm isn't it?

[OrionGirl]

Depending on other factors, they should hit full size within about 6 months. I'd go anywhere from 10 -15 cm for an adult size. Of course, the presence of a mature male can retard the growth of any juveniles, and the size of the tank, temp, and feeding make a difference as well.