Female Apisto Cacatuoide Faded Colours

[james barrett]

Hi

I have a pair of cacatuoides triple reds (supposedly but look more like doubles) that have successfully raised fry to about 4/5 weeks, the male has started chasing the fry so has been moved to a small holding tank alone, its planted and nice not just a bare tank. the large tank with mum i have just added driftwood and lots of plants working around mum and fry. the question is that she has lost her yellow color but is happy to tolerate the fry but she has really faded fin patterns, while the male in the small tank alone has never been brighter red, he looks like ive Photoshoped him he is so radiant. water is all good, its a 35 gallon with only mum and fry. moderately planted with driftwood that has previously been in tank just rearranged abit. if i was to guess id say shes stressed because her known home has changed while she has fry to care for but just asking for a second opinion and advice.

thanks

 

[Mike Wise]

Personally I wouldn't worry unless the female is acting abnormally. Once you remove the fry and re-introduce the male she should color-up.