Electric Yellow with Purple Face

[park83]

I have an Electric Yellow who is the biggest of the bunch in the tank. For the past couple days, the whole one side of his face is now purple. A pretty deep purple. Any idea what this is? Also, I did notice this a few months ago too but it wasn't as dark.

Thanks!

 

[RazzleFish]

I have no clue but a pic might help.

 

[park83]

 

[blue2fyre]

Some male yellow labs will show some bearding(black around the face). Here's some pictures I found on the net

Usually it's related to genetics and social status in the tank. More dominant males tend to have bearding.

 

[stoneyredneck]

thanks for the pics and info. I would have sworn to whoever showed me those that they were hybrids.

 

[blue2fyre]

Bad genetics perhaps but hybrids no. It's an undesirable trait for most.

 

[Pittbull]

Its called bearding not sure if it is a bad genetic trait but its common nonetheless and i wouldn't worry too much of it, I have seen it darker in some older larger males.. Nice fish i have 10 of these guys in my 1000gal pond growing out.. Take care..

 

[Lillyan]

That is pretty cool. It's something I would want my males doing. =p Pittbull, you sell them?

 

[Lab_Rat]

What Blue said. The dominant males are more likely to beard up. Not a trait that bothers me, unlike barring or lack of black on the fins.

 

[Pittbull]

Hey Lill i just pulled 15 of them from my pond today they look awesome bright yellows and nice blacks, they are in quarantine right now they were stressed out to the max on the move from pond to holding tank i will keep a few and add them to my Mbuna tank and sell the rest but i do not have oxygen for shipping right now unless you are willing to pay next day ship.. I do have one out of the bunch that turned blue never seen that before, it looks like a Blue lab i will photo him later tonight..