Macmasteri Color Change

[Azbill24]

Hi All,

I changed out the gravel in my tanks, thanks to advice here, and my Macmasteri pair have completely changed color ( see the pics). Is this normal and is the lighter color a good sign?

 

[MacZ]

Besides the fact that many Apistogramma have several colourations, everchanging "in flux", depending on mood or status, the substrate and background also influence the colouration. Dark backgrounds make the fish keep a darker colouration, brighter backgrounds a lighter coloration.

This is quite a difference. But I think it's mainly because in the second picture he is displaying to the female, in which cases many species go very bright.