Cichlid changing color

[DEF3]

About a week ago one of my cichlids drastically started changing color the others stayed the same, does anyone know whats going on. Also it was around the time I started buying a new brand of fish food.

I don't know if this is natural so I decided to ask all of you.

BEFORE (bottom left)

47313

AFTER

47314
47315
47316

[Jhh482]

Check on the food - that is most likely the change. I would recommend Omega One, it is not loaded with starch, and it will make your fish feel much better - and they really like it! The food probably has less nutrients than the original brand, or maybe it is just the change from starch to protein that is making the change.
Jack

[Coler]

Looks like an auratus which is maturing - its a natural colour change for this species.

[Bnoble]

BTW! nice fish

[kay-bee]

As Coler stated, you've got a melanochromis auratus.

Being one of the dimorphic mbuna species, male auratus', when they mature, undergo a color transformation which is entirely unrelated to the diet they're on.

Also expect a hike it its aggression output :grinyes:

[DEF3]

Thanks for the help everybody. Also I was wondering if anyone could identify the other two cichlids.

[ibr3ak]

The orange is probably m. estherae (red zebra) and the blue is either m. callainos (cobalt blue) or a p. socolofi.

Take a few close ups with fish's entire body in the shot.

[Coler]

^ I agree - but better pics would help.

[terror spawnin]

Looks like an auratus which is maturing - its a natural colour change for this species.
I totally agree!
I think the food change either added some maturation growth or it is coincidence.

Either way the fish and tank look really healthy and are very photo worthy!
And from raising these type in the past, I've noticed they are very hardy and live a long time!

[terror spawnin]

Thanks for the help everybody. Also I was wondering if anyone could identify the other two cichlids.
It is possible for confusion on this due to them probably being juveniles too.
Check out a web search on Lake Malowie Cichlids, I'm sure you will see many comparisons of your fish.

The fun fact IMO is that when these fish mature and get aggressive and territorial, you don't have to get rid of the aggressor. You can add other species from the same lake and they mellow out with higher numbers. I have seen live footage under water at lake malowie and the population density of all these cichlids will blow your mind. It looks just like an extremely overpopulated tank at the fish store!
But I only recommend stocking fish like this with more than adequate filtration and frequent water changes.

[ibr3ak]

But I only recommend stocking fish like this with more than adequate filtration and frequent water changes.

And a larger tank, 20gal is simply too small.

[drawgud]

Also sometimes cichlids will change color to keep other cichlids from terrorizing them. This happened with my buddy's tank, one constantly was after another, than over about a week the one that ran, completely changed colors and was never bothered again.

[ibr3ak]

That's actually different, if both fish are displaying and both are males, they'll fight until they establish a pecking order and sub dominant male will look washed out, while a dominant will continue displaying it's full coloration.