New Oscar is changing color

[gsmollin]

I have an Oscar for about 2-3 weeks in quarantine. Fish is about 1 1/2 inches long. He's in a 10 gallon, established tank. Water is at 76 degrees F. Ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate was 40 ppm, so I did a 50% water change. Makeup water is 10 ppm nitrate, so I expect its at 30 ppm now. pH 7.2 KH 4 GH 12.
He's been doing quite well. Last night he suddenly appeared to change color. Old color scheme: Black body with red markings. New color scheme: Gray body with gold markings. This morning he looks better, but is still somewhat pale.
I'm concerend this is a harbinger of disease. What do the cichlid keepers think?

 

[goldfries]

i think it's normal for them to change colors.

they can turn pale/dull colored when frightened or bored, and suddenly they can be bright and beautiful as ever.

check out my Oscar pics.

 

[Tightdog1]

as with most cichlids and fish in general they can and will change colors with different moods, scared/frightened/stressed gives light dul colors and happy/healthy/ready to breed will give vibrant, and darker colors.

 

[gsmollin]

Thanks for the replies. He has returned to his black/red color, so I guess he's OK.